Lens barrel

ABSTRACT

A lens barrel includes a first lens, a second lens, a first frame body, a second frame body, and a retracting lens frame. The retracting lens frame is configured to move so that a position of the second optical axis of the second lens changes from a position on the first optical axis of the first lens to a position that is outside the first optical axis, during the transition period between the imaging enabled state and the housed state. A contact portion is formed on the inner peripheral part of the first frame body. A protrusion of the retracting lens frame is configured to engage with and guided by the contact portion during movement of the retracting lens frame. The thickness of a region constituting the side wall of the contact portion is increased over the thickness of the other region toward the inside of the cylindrical part.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation application of International ApplicationPCT/JP2013/000589, with an international filing date of Feb. 1, 2013which claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-021394filed on Feb. 2, 2012 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-021396filed on Feb. 2, 2012. The entire disclosures of InternationalApplication PCT/JP2013/000589, Japanese Patent Application No.2012-021394, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-021396 are herebyincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The technology disclosed herein relates to a lens barrel equipped withan optical system.

2. Background Information

A lens barrel having a second group lens capable of retraction inrelation to a first group lens has been proposed in the past (seeJapanese Laid-Open Patent Application 2011-150132). Here, a second grouplens supporting frame (corresponds to a retracting lens frame) thatsupports the second group lens is able to retract with respect to asupport member that supports the first group lens. More specifically, apressed protrusion of the second group lens supporting frame is pressedby a detachment control protrusion formed on an imaging element holder.Consequently, the orientation of the second group lens supporting framechanges from an imaging enabled orientation to a retracted orientation.

In prior art, the orientation of the second group lens supporting framewas changed from an imaging enabled orientation to a retractedorientation by pressing on the second group lens supporting frame withthe detachment control protrusion of the imaging element holder. In thiscase, the detachment control protrusion has to be formed so that itextends in the optical axis direction on the imaging element holder.Therefore, there is the risk that the imaging element holder will end upbeing larger.

One possible way to solve this problem is to provide a cam mechanismbetween the second group lens supporting frame and a frame body disposedaround the outer periphery of the second group lens supporting frame. Inthis technology, for example, the second group lens supporting frame canbe changed from an imaging enabled orientation to a retractedorientation by forming a cam groove in the frame body, and guiding theabove-mentioned pressed protrusion in this cam groove of the frame body.In this case, however, there is the risk that forming the cam groovewill make the frame body thicker in the radial direction and make thelens barrel larger. Also, if the cam groove is formed without increasingthe thickness in the radial direction, there is the risk of a decreasein strength.

The technology disclosed herein was conceived in light of the aboveproblem, and it is an object of the present technology is to reduce thesize of a lens barrel without sacrificing the strength of the lensbarrel.

SUMMARY

The lens barrel disclosed herein comprises a first lens including afirst optical axis, a second lens including a second optical axis, afirst frame body, a second frame body, and a retracting lens frame. Thesecond frame body is configured to move in the first optical axisdirection with respect to the first frame body. The retracting lensframe is configured to support the second lens. The retracting lensframe is supported by the second frame body. The retracting lens frameis configured to move so that a position of the second optical axischanges from a position on the first optical axis to a position that isoutside the first optical axis during the transition period between theimaging enabled state and the housed state. The first frame bodyincludes a cylindrical part. A contact portion is formed on the innerperipheral part of the cylindrical part. The contact portion includes atleast one side wall. The at least one side wall is configured to standtoward an inside of the cylindrical part. The retracting lens frameincludes a protrusion. The protrusion is configured to engage with thecontact portion and be guided by the contact portion when the retractinglens frame moves around a retraction shaft. The thickness of a regionconstituting the side wall of the contact portion is increased over thethickness of the other region toward the inside of the cylindrical part.

The technology disclosed herein provides a lens barrel that can be madesmaller without sacrificing strength.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the attached drawings, which form a part of thisoriginal disclosure:

FIG. 1 is an oblique view of a digital camera;

FIG. 2 is an oblique view of a lens barrel;

FIG. 3 is an exploded oblique view of a lens barrel;

FIG. 4 is an oblique view of a stationary frame;

FIG. 5 is an oblique view of a first rectilinear frame;

FIG. 6 is an oblique view of a first rotary frame;

FIG. 7 is an oblique view of a second rectilinear frame;

FIG. 8 is an oblique view of a second rotary frame:

FIG. 9A is an oblique view of a third rectilinear frame;

FIG. 9B is an oblique view of a third rectilinear frame:

FIG. 10 is a simplified view of when the second rectilinear frame, thesecond rotary frame, and the third rectilinear frame have beenassembled;

FIG. 11 is an oblique view of a first lens group frame;

FIG. 12A is an oblique view of a second lens group frame;

FIG. 12B is a view of the second lens group frame from the front;

FIG. 12C is an oblique view of the relation between the second lensgroup frame and the sheet member;

FIG. 13A is an oblique view of a shutter frame;

FIG. 13B is a diagram of the shutter frame as seen from the subjectside:

FIG. 14A is an oblique view of the shutter frame, an OIS frame, and theretracting lens frame;

FIG. 14B is a cross section of the shutter frame, the OIS frame, theretracting lens frame, and the second lens group frame;

FIG. 15A is an oblique view of the OIS frame;

FIG. 15B is a detail cross section of the state when the retracting lensframe has been engaged with an anti-rotation portion of the OIS frame;

FIG. 16A is a cross section of the state when a rotary spring biases theretracting lens frame to the OIS frame;

FIG. 16B is a detail cross section of the contact state between aretraction shaft and a contact face;

FIG. 17A is an oblique view of the relation between the second lensgroup frame and the retracting lens frame (imaging enabled state);

FIG. 17B is an oblique view of the relation between the second lensgroup frame and the retracting lens frame (retracted state);

FIG. 18A is a diagram of the relation between the shutter frame and theretracting lens frame (imaging enabled state);

FIG. 18B is a cross section of the relation between the shutter frameand the retracting lens frame (imaging enabled state);

FIG. 18C is a diagram of the relation between the shutter frame and theretracting lens frame (retracted state);

FIG. 19 is a diagram of the retracting lens frame as seen from animaging element side;

FIG. 20 is a simplified cross section of the lens barrel (retractedstate);

FIG. 21 is a simplified cross section of the lens barrel (wide anglestate);

FIG. 22 is a simplified cross section of the lens barrel (telephotostate);

FIG. 23A is a side view of the rotary spring pertaining to anotherembodiment;

FIG. 23B is a side view of the state when the rotary spring pertainingto another embodiment has been mounted to the retracting lens frame; and

FIG. 24 is a detail cross section of the state when the retracting lensframe has been engaged with the anti-rotation portion of the OIS frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Selected embodiments of the present technology will now be explainedwith reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from this disclosure that the following descriptions of theembodiments of the present technology are provided for illustration onlyand not for the purpose of limiting the technology as defined by theappended claims and their equivalents.

Next, an embodiment of the present technology will be described throughreference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings thatfollows, portions that are the same or similar will be numbered the sameor similarly. The drawings are merely schematic representations,however, and the proportions of the various dimensions and so forth maybe different from those in actuality. Therefore, the specific dimensionsand so forth should be determined by referring to the followingdescription. Also, the mutual dimensional relations and proportionsamong the drawings may, of course, vary in some portions.

In the following embodiment, a digital camera will be described as anexample of an imaging device. In the following description, assumingthat the digital camera is in its landscape orientation, the subjectside will be referred to as the “front,” the opposite side from thesubject as the “rear,” the vertically upper side as “upper,” thevertically lower side as “lower,” the right side when facing the subjectas “right,” and the left side when facing the subject as “left.”“Landscape orientation” is a kind of orientation of a digital camera,and when an image is captured in landscape orientation, the long-sidedirection of a rectangular image that is wider than it is tallsubstantially coincides with the horizontal direction within the image.

Configuration of Digital Camera 1

The configuration of the digital camera 1 will now be described throughreference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an oblique view of the digitalcamera 1. FIG. 2 is an oblique view of a lens barrel 20.

As shown in FIG. 1, the digital camera 1 comprises a housing 10 and thelens barrel 20.

The housing 10 is made up of a front panel 11, a rear panel 12, and aside panel 13. An opening 10S is formed in the front panel 11.

The lens barrel 20 comprises a three-stage retractable zoom mechanism.The lens barrel 20 is housed in the housing 10 when not being used forimaging, and is deployed forward from the opening 10S during imaging.More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the lens barrel 20 has a firstmovable lens barrel portion 21, a second movable lens barrel portion 22,a third movable lens barrel portion 23, and a stationary lens barrel 24.

The first movable lens barrel portion 21 can be deployed with respect tothe stationary lens barrel 24. The second movable lens barrel portion 22can be deployed with respect to the first movable lens barrel 21. Thethird movable lens barrel portion 23 can be deployed with respect to thesecond movable lens barrel 22. The stationary lens barrel 24 is fixedinside the housing 10. When the lens barrel 20 is deployed, the thirdmovable lens barrel portion 23 is located the farthest forward of thefirst to third movable lens barrel portions 21 to 23.

Detailed Configuration of Lens Barrel 20

Next, the detailed configuration of the lens barrel 20 will be describedthrough reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 is an exploded oblique view ofthe lens barrel 20.

The first to third movable lens barrel portions 21 to 23 of the lensbarrel 20 are deployed from the stationary lens barrel 24 along theoptical axis AX of the optical system. The optical system includes firstto fourth lens groups L1 to L4. In the following description, adirection parallel to the optical axis AX shall be referred to as the“optical axis direction.” a direction perpendicular to the optical axisdirection as the “radial direction,” and a direction that goes in acircle around the optical axis AX as the “peripheral direction.” Theoptical axis AX substantially coincides with the axis of the frames thatmake up the lens barrel 20.

In this embodiment, the term “rectilinear frame” means a frame thatmoves in the optical axis direction, without rotating in the peripheraldirection. A “rotary frame” means a frame that rotates in the peripheraldirection. The term “rotary frame” encompasses the meaning of both aframe that moves in the optical axis direction and a frame that does notmove in the optical axis direction. The term “rectilinear groove” meansa groove provided along the optical axis direction. A “rectilineargroove” is provided to both rectilinear and rotary frames.

The term “rectilinear” means moving in the optical axis direction, andnot rotating in the peripheral direction. The term “rotary” meansrotating in the peripheral direction. The term “rotary” is used in themeaning of both moving in the optical axis direction and not moving inthe optical axis direction. The term “move” is a concept that alsoencompasses moving in the optical axis direction while rotating in theperipheral direction.

The term “bayonet” or “bayonet mechanism” means a mechanism in whichframes having a “bayonet protrusion” and a “bayonet groove” provided inthe peripheral direction are rotatably engaged, and a mechanism in whichthese frames are integrally engaged in the optical axis direction.

1. First Movable Lens Barrel Component 21

The first movable lens barrel portion 21 has a first rectilinear frame110, a first rotary frame 210, and a first cosmetic frame 301. The firstrectilinear frame 110 is a cylindrical plastic member disposed on theinside in the radial direction of a stationary frame 100 (discussedbelow). The first rotary frame 210 is a cylindrical plastic memberdisposed on the inside in the radial direction of the first rectilinearframe 110. The first cosmetic frame 301 is a cylindrical sheet metalmember that covers the outer periphery of the first rectilinear frame110.

2. Second Movable Lens Barrel Component 22

The second movable lens barrel portion 22 has a second rectilinear frame120, a second rotary frame 220, a third rectilinear frame 130, a secondlens group frame 320, a second lens group L2, a third lens group frame330, a third lens group L3, a shutter frame 335, and a second cosmeticframe 302.

The second rectilinear frame 120 is a cylindrical plastic memberdisposed on the inside in the radial direction of the first rotary frame210. The second rotary frame 220 is a cylindrical plastic memberdisposed on the inside in the radial direction of the second rectilinearframe 120.

The third rectilinear frame 130 is a cylindrical plastic member disposedon the inside in the radial direction of the second rotary frame 220.The second lens group frame 320 is disposed on the inside in the radialdirection of the third rectilinear frame 130, and supports the secondlens group L2. The third lens group frame 330 is housed in the shutterframe 335, and supports the third lens group L3 used for image blurcorrection. The third lens group frame 330 is supported pivotably in theradial direction by the shutter frame 335, and constitutes an image blurcorrection mechanism along with the third lens group L3.

The shutter frame 335 is disposed on the inside in the radial directionof the third rectilinear frame 130, and has a built-in shuttermechanism. The shutter frame 335 supports the third lens group frame 330pivotably in the radial direction. A control-use flexible wire 335 a isconnected to the shutter frame 335.

The control-use flexible wire 335 a is disposed along the innerperipheral face of the stationary frame 100, and is connected to acontrol device (not shown). The control-use flexible wire 335 atransmits drive power and control signals to the shutter mechanism andthe image blur correction mechanism (discussed below). The secondcosmetic frame 302 is a cylindrical sheet metal member that covers theouter periphery of the second rectilinear frame 120.

3. Third Movable Lens Barrel Component 23

The third movable lens barrel portion 23 has a first lens group frame310, a first lens group L1, and a third cosmetic frame 303.

The first lens group frame 310 is disposed between the secondrectilinear frame 120 and the second rotary frame 220. The first lensgroup frame 310 supports the first lens group L1, which is used to bringlight into the lens barrel 20. The third cosmetic frame 303 is acylindrical sheet metal member that covers the outer periphery of thefirst lens group frame 310.

4. Stationary Lens Barrel 24

The stationary lens barrel 24 has the stationary frame 100, a fourthlens group frame 340, a fourth lens group L4, a zoom motor 241, a zoomgear 242, a focus motor 243, a master flange 244, an imaging element245, and an imaging element flexible wire 245 a.

The stationary frame 100 is a cylindrical plastic member disposed on theoutside in the radial direction of the first rotary frame 210 and thefirst rectilinear frame 110. The fourth lens group frame 340 is attachedto the master flange 244, and is driven in the optical axis direction bythe focus motor 243. The fourth lens group frame 340 supports the fourthlens group L4, which is used for focal adjustment.

The zoom motor 241 is a drive source that is used to deploy the first tothird movable lens barrel portions 21 to 23, and is attached to the sideface of the stationary frame 100. The zoom gear 242 transmits the driveforce of the zoom motor 241 to the first rotary frame 210. The front endof the zoom gear 242 is supported by the stationary frame 100, and therear end of the zoom gear 242 is supported by the master flange 244. Thefocus motor 243 is a drive source that is used to drive the fourth lensgroup frame 340 in the optical axis direction, and is attached to themaster flange 244. The master flange 244 is a flat plastic member thatcovers the rear of the stationary frame 100. The imaging element 245 isfitted into the center of the master flange 244. In a state in which theimaging element flexible wire 245 a and the imaging element 245 havebeen electrically connected, the imaging element flexible wire 245 a isaffixed to the rear face of the master flange 244. The imaging elementflexible wire 245 a is connected to a control device (not shown), andtransmits signals from the imaging element 245.

Configuration of Frames

The frames that make up the lens barrel 20 will now be described throughreference to the drawings. More specifically, the configurations of thestationary frame 100, the first rectilinear frame 110, the first rotaryframe 210, the second rectilinear frame 120, the second rotary frame220, the third rectilinear frame 130, the first lens group frame 310,the second lens group frame 320, the third lens group frame 330, and theshutter frame 335 will be described in order, after which we willdescribe how the frames are engaged with each other.

1. Configuration of Stationary Frame 100

FIG. 4 is an oblique view of the stationary frame 100. The stationaryframe 100 has a stationary frame main body 101 and a zoom gear support102.

The stationary frame main body 101 is formed in a cylindrical shape, andhas an inner peripheral face 100S and an outer peripheral face 100T.

The zoom gear support 102 is provided so as to protrude from the outerperipheral face 100T. The zoom gear support 102 rotatably supports thefront end of the zoom gear 242. In this embodiment, the zoom gearsupport 102 is covered by the front panel 11, so it is not exposed onthe outside of the housing 10 (see FIG. 1). The teeth of the zoom gear242 protrude on the inside of the stationary frame main body 101.

The stationary frame 100 has five rectilinear grooves a1 and three camgrooves b1. In FIG. 4, however, only three rectilinear grooves a1 andtwo cam grooves b1 are shown.

The five rectilinear grooves a1 are formed in the inner peripheral face100S in the optical axis direction, and are suitably spaced apart in theperipheral direction.

The three cam grooves b1 are formed in the inner peripheral face 100S soas to intersect the optical axis direction.

2. Configuration of First Rectilinear Frame 110

FIG. 5 is an oblique view of the first rectilinear frame 110. The firstrectilinear frame 110 has a first rectilinear frame main body 111, fiverectilinear protrusions A1, three rectilinear grooves a2, a bayonetgroove e1, and a bayonet protrusion E0.

The rectilinear frame main body 111 is formed in a cylindrical shape,and has an inner peripheral face 110S and an outer peripheral face 11OT.

The five rectilinear protrusions A1 are provided at the rear end of theouter peripheral face 110T. The five rectilinear protrusions A1 areengaged with the five rectilinear grooves a1 of the stationary frame100.

The three rectilinear grooves a2 are formed in the inner peripheral face110S in the optical axis direction.

The bayonet groove e1 is formed in an arc shape in the peripheraldirection at the rear end of the inner peripheral face 110S. The bayonetgroove e1 intersects the three rectilinear grooves a2.

The bayonet protrusion E0 is disposed at the front end of the innerperipheral face 110S. The bayonet protrusion E0 is formed in an arcshape in the peripheral direction. In this embodiment, a plurality ofbayonet protrusions E0 are provided in the peripheral direction.

3. Configuration of First Rotary Frame 210

FIG. 6 is an oblique view of the first rotary frame 210. The firstrotary frame 210 has a first rotary frame main body 211 and a gearportion 212.

The first rotary frame main body 211 is formed in a cylindrical shape,and has an inner peripheral face 210S and an outer peripheral face 210T.

The gear portion 212 is provided to the rear end of the outer peripheralface 210T, and is formed in the peripheral direction. When the gearportion 212 meshes with the zoom gear 242, the first rotary frame 210 isrotated in the peripheral direction by the drive force of the zoom motor241. Although not depicted, the gear portion 212 is disposed further tothe rear than the rectilinear protrusions A1 of the first rectilinearframe 110.

The first rotary frame 210 has three cam followers B1, three bayonetprotrusions E1, three cam grooves b2, a bayonet groove e0, and threerectilinear grooves a3. In FIG. 6, however, only one of the rectilineargrooves a3 is shown.

The three cam followers B1 are provided to the rear end of the outerperipheral face 210T. Two of the three cam followers B1 are disposed atthe both ends of the gear portion 212. The three cam followers B1engages with the cam grooves b1 of the stationary frame 100.

The bayonet protrusions E1 are formed in the peripheral direction at therear end of the outer peripheral face 210T. The bayonet protrusions E1are disposed in front of the gear portion 212. The bayonet protrusionsE1 engages with the bayonet groove e1 of the first rectilinear frame110. In this embodiment, the bayonet protrusions E1 and the bayonetgroove e1 constitute a bayonet mechanism for rotatably engaging thefirst rotary frame 210 with the first rectilinear frame 110, andintegrally engaging these in the optical axis direction.

The three cam grooves b2 pass through the first rotary frame main body211 from the inner peripheral face 210S to the outer peripheral face210T.

The bayonet groove e0 is formed at the front end of the outer peripheralface 210T. The bayonet groove e0 is formed in an arc shape in theperipheral direction. The bayonet groove e0 intersects the three camgrooves b2. The bayonet protrusion E0 engages with the bayonet groovee0.

The three rectilinear grooves a3 are formed in the inner peripheral face210S in the optical axis direction. Two of the three rectilinear groovesa3 are close together, and are formed away from the other one in a rangefrom 120° to 180°.

4. Configuration of Second Rectilinear Frame 120

FIG. 7 is an oblique view of the second rectilinear frame 120. Thesecond rectilinear frame 120 has a second rectilinear frame main body121 and two latching portions 122.

The second rectilinear frame main body 121 is formed in a cylindricalshape, and has an inner peripheral face 120S and an outer peripheralface 120T.

The two latching portions 122 are provided on the rear end face of thesecond rectilinear frame main body 121, and protrude toward the rear.The two latching portions 122 are formed at substantially symmetricalpositions around the optical axis AX (see FIG. 3), that is, at positionsthat are separated by 120° to 180°. As will be discussed below, when thetwo latching portions 122 are latched to the third rectilinear frame130, the relative rotation of the third rectilinear frame 130 withrespect to the second rectilinear frame 120 is prevent. In thisembodiment, one of the two latching portions 122 is formed longer in theperipheral direction than the other one.

The second rectilinear frame 120 has three rectilinear cam followersAB2, three rectilinear grooves a4, and a bayonet groove e2.

The three rectilinear cam followers AB2 are provided at the rear end ofthe outer peripheral face 120T, and are disposed at a substantiallyconstant pitch in the peripheral direction. The three rectilinear camfollowers AB2 engages with the three cam grooves b2 of the first rotaryframe 210. Also, the three rectilinear cam followers AB2 pass throughthe three cam grooves b2 and engages with the three rectilinear groovesa2 of the first rectilinear frame 110.

The three rectilinear grooves a4 are formed in the inner peripheral face120S in the optical axis direction. The three rectilinear grooves a4 aredisposed at a substantially constant pitch in the peripheral direction.

The bayonet groove e2 is formed at the rear end of the inner peripheralface 120S in the peripheral direction. The bayonet groove e2 intersectsthe three rectilinear grooves a4.

5. Configuration of Second Rotary Frame 220

FIG. 8 is an oblique view of the second rotary frame 220. The secondrotary frame 220 has a second rotary frame main body 221, threerectilinear protrusions A3, three bayonet protrusions E2, two bayonetgrooves e3, three cam grooves b3, three cam grooves b4, three camgrooves b5, and three cam followers B6. In FIG. 8, however, only twoeach of the cam grooves b3, the cam grooves b4, and the cam grooves b5are shown.

The second rotary frame main body 221 is formed in a cylindrical shape,and has an inner peripheral face 220S and an outer peripheral face 220T.

The three rectilinear protrusions A3 are provided at the rear end of theouter peripheral face 220T, two of the three rectilinear protrusions A3are close together in the peripheral direction, and the other one isseparated by about 120° or more from the two rectilinear protrusions A3that are close together. The three rectilinear protrusions A3 engageswith the three rectilinear grooves a3 of the first rotary frame 210.

The three bayonet protrusions E2 are formed in the peripheral directionat the rear end of the outer peripheral face 220T. The three bayonetprotrusions E2 are disposed in front of the three rectilinearprotrusions A3. The bayonet protrusions E2 engages with the bayonetgroove e2 of the second rectilinear frame 120. In this embodiment, thebayonet protrusions E2 and the bayonet groove e2 constitute a bayonetmechanism for engaging the second rotary frame 220 rotatably with thesecond rectilinear frame 120 and integrally in the optical axisdirection.

The shape of the bayonet grooves e3 in a cross section including theoptical axis is a trapezoidal shape in which the side on the outside inthe radial direction is shorter, and the side on the inside in theradial direction is longer, and the bayonet grooves e3 are formed in theapproximate center of the inner peripheral face 220S in the peripheraldirection. The two bayonet grooves e3 are formed parallel to each other.The two bayonet grooves e3 intersect with the cam grooves b4 and the camgrooves b5. The radial direction depth of the two bayonet grooves e3 isshallower than the radial direction depth of the cam grooves b4 and thecam grooves b5.

The three cam grooves b3 are formed in the outer peripheral face 220T soas to intersect with the optical axis direction, and are disposed at asubstantially constant pitch in the peripheral direction.

The cam grooves b4 and the cam grooves b5 are formed in the innerperipheral face 220S. The cam grooves b4 and the cam grooves b5intersect each other. The radial depth of the cam grooves b4 issubstantially the same as the cam grooves b5.

The three cam followers B6 are provided to the front end of the outerperipheral face 220T, and are disposed at a substantially constant pitchin the peripheral direction. In FIG. 8, however, only two of the camfollowers B6 are shown.

6. Configuration of Third Rectilinear Frame 130

FIGS. 9A and 9B are oblique views of the third rectilinear frame 130.The third rectilinear frame 130 has a third rectilinear frame main body131, a flange 132, and two latching recesses 133.

The third rectilinear frame main body 131 is formed in a cylindricalshape, and has an inner peripheral face 130S and an outer peripheralface 130T.

The flange 132 is formed in an annular shape, and is provided on therear end of the outer peripheral face 130T.

The two latching recesses 133 are cut-outs formed in the outer edge ofthe flange 132. The two latching recesses 133 are formed insubstantially symmetrical positions around the optical axis AX (see FIG.3), that is, at positions separated by 120° to 180°. FIG. 10 is aschematic diagram in which the second rectilinear frame 120, the secondrotary frame 220, and the third rectilinear frame 130 have been puttogether. As shown in FIG. 10, when the two latching portions 122 of thesecond rectilinear frame 120 are latched to the two latching recesses133 of the third rectilinear frame 130, relative rotation of the thirdrectilinear frame 130 with respect to the second rectilinear frame 120is prevented. One of the two latching recesses 133 is formed longer inthe peripheral direction than the other one, corresponding to the factthat one of the two latching portions 122 is formed longer in theperipheral direction than the other one. This increases the strength ofthe two latching recesses 133.

The third rectilinear frame 130 has six bayonet protrusions E3, threerectilinear grooves a5, and three rectilinear grooves a6. In FIG. 9A,however, only two of the bayonet protrusions E3 are shown, and in FIG.9B, only four of the bayonet protrusions E3 are shown.

The shape of the six bayonet protrusions E3 in a cross section includingthe optical axis is a trapezoidal shape in which the side on the outsidein the radial direction is shorter, and the side on the inside in theradial direction is longer. Also, the bayonet protrusions E3 are formedin the peripheral direction in the approximate center of the outerperipheral face 130T. Two of the bayonet protrusions E3 are formedparallel to each other at the same position in the peripheral direction.These two bayonet protrusions E3 form a set, and these sets are disposedat three places at a substantially constant pitch in the peripheraldirection. In other words, three sets of the bayonet protrusions E3,that is, the six bayonet protrusions E3, are disposed on the thirdrectilinear frame 130. The six bayonet protrusions E3 engages with thetwo bayonet grooves e3 of the second rotary frame 220. In thisembodiment, the bayonet protrusions E3 and the bayonet grooves e3constitute a bayonet mechanism for rotatably engaging the thirdrectilinear frame 130 with the second rotary frame 220, and integrallyengaging them in the optical axis direction.

The three rectilinear grooves a5 pass through the third rectilinearframe main body 131 from the inner peripheral face 130S to the outerperipheral face 130T. The three rectilinear grooves a5 extend in theoptical axis direction, and are disposed at a substantially constantpitch in the peripheral direction.

The three rectilinear grooves a6 pass through the third rectilinearframe main body 131 from the inner peripheral face 130S to the outerperipheral face 130T. The three rectilinear grooves a6 extend in theoptical axis direction, and are disposed at a substantially constantpitch in the peripheral direction.

In this embodiment, the three rectilinear grooves a5 and the threerectilinear grooves a6 are disposed alternately in the peripheraldirection.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the third rectilinear frame 130 further has a guidegroove a7 (an example of a first cam portion) formed in the innerperipheral face of the third rectilinear frame main body 131, and areinforcing portion 130H (shaded part) formed near the guide groove a7.

The guide groove a7 guides a driven portion 411 (see FIG. 14A; discussedbelow) as a cam follower. The guide groove a7 and the driven portion 411constitute a cam mechanism for moving a retracting lens frame 401. Thiscam mechanism changes the orientation of the retracting lens frame 401when the third rectilinear frame 130 moves relative to the retractinglens frame 401 in the optical axis direction.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the guide groove a7 has a portion that is inclinedto the optical axis direction (inclined part a71) and a portion is thatparallel to the optical axis direction (parallel part a72). When thedriven portion 411 is guided by this inclined part a71, the retractinglens frame 401 rotates around a retraction shaft 501 b. The retractinglens frame 401 transitions between an image blur correction enabledposition and a retracted position by rotating around the retractionshaft 501 b. In the retracted position, the driven portion 411 is guidedby the parallel part a72 of the guide groove a7, thereby the retractinglens frame 401 stops rotating around the retraction shaft 501 b at theretracted position.

The retracting lens frame 401 is biased by a rotary spring 403 from theretracted position toward the image blur correction enabled position.More precisely, this biasing direction is a direction around theretraction shaft 501 b, a direction perpendicular to the optical axisdirection, and a direction in which the retracting lens frame 401 entersits imaging enabled state. Specifically, this biasing direction is adirection in which the optical axis direction of the third lens group L3is aligned with the optical axis direction of the other lenses.

Therefore, when the guide groove a7 and the driven portion 411 cause theretracting lens frame 401 to rotate against the biasing force of therotary spring 403, the driven portion 411 comes into contact with oneside (one side face) of the guide groove a7. The guide groove a7 isformed in the form of a groove. Specifically, the guide groove a7 ismade up of three faces. These three faces constitute a side face a73 onthe front side in the optical axis direction, a side face a74 on therear side in the optical axis direction, and a bottom face a75 that isparallel to the optical axis direction and connects the first two faces.The contact face of the guide groove a7 that comes into contact with thedriven portion 411 is the side face a73 on the front side in the opticalaxis direction. Therefore, the retracting lens frame 401 can be rotatedas long as the side face a73 on the front side in the optical axisdirection is provided. In this case, the contact face at the positionimmediately after the completion of retraction is a contact face a76.After this, a positioning portion 412 of the retracting lens frame 401that has been guided by a guide portion 322 a is supported in a state ofbeing in contact with a support portion 322 b, and the retractionoperation is complete.

However, because the guide groove a7 is formed in a grooved shape, thatis, constitutes three faces, the position of the driven portion 411 isreliably maintained by the guide groove a7 even if the camera isdropped, subjected to an impact, etc., so the orientation of theretracting lens frame 401 can be kept stable. For the same reason, theparallel part a72 is also in a grooved shape, that is, constitutes threefaces. Furthermore, even if the rotational load of the retracting lensframe 401 is increased over the rotational force of the rotary spring403 due to the influence of wear through continuous use or of theadhesion of foreign matter in the guide groove a7, the retracting lensframe 401 can still be forcibly rotated.

The side face a73 on the front side in the optical axis direction andthe side face a74 on the rear side in the optical axis direction of theguide groove a7 are formed in a tapered shape (that is, a sloped faceshape) with respect to the direction perpendicular to the optical axisdirection, so that there is no undercutting in the sliding direction ofthe mold during injection molding. The contact face of the drivenportion 411 that engages with the guide groove a7 is also formed in ashape corresponding to the side face a73 on the front side in theoptical axis direction and the side face a74 on the rear side in theoptical axis direction. Specifically, the contact face of the drivenportion 411 that engages with the guide groove a7 is formed in a taperedshape (that is, a sloped face shape) with respect to the directionperpendicular to the retraction shaft 501 b, so that the side face a73on the front side in the optical axis direction and the side face a74 onthe rear side in the optical axis direction are substantially parallelto each other. The angle of the sloped face on the side face a73 on thefront side in the optical axis direction is smaller than one on the sideface a74 on the rear side in the optical axis direction.

The angle of the sloped face is an angle to the direction perpendicularto the optical axis direction The smaller is the angle of the slopedface to the direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, theless torque loss is caused by the rotational load of the retracting lensframe 401 generated at the sloped face, and the less it becomes for thedriven portion 411 to come loose from the guide groove a7. On the otherhand, the larger is the angle of the sloped face to the directionperpendicular to the optical axis direction, the easier it becomes toavoid mold undercut during injection molding. Also, the larger is theangle of the sloped face to the direction perpendicular to the opticalaxis direction, the larger is the angle of the sloped face of the drivenportion 411 opposite the sloped face with respect to the directionperpendicular to the retraction shaft 501 b. The larger is the angle ofthe contact face of the driven portion 411 to the directionperpendicular to the retraction shaft 501 b, the stronger the base ofthe driven portion 411 can be made. Consequently, damage throughcontinued use, the input of dropping force, impact force, or the like,and so forth can be prevented.

In this disclosure, the angle of the sloped face of the side face a73 onthe front side in the optical axis direction with respect to thedirection perpendicular to the optical axis direction is small, and theangle of the sloped face of the side face a74 on the rear side in theoptical axis direction with respect to the direction perpendicular tothe optical axis direction is large. Also, the sloped face of the drivenportion 411 corresponding to these sloped faces is formed so as to besubstantially parallel to the faces of the guide groove a7. This reducestorque loss through rotational load of the retracting lens frame 401,and makes it less likely that the driven portion 411 comes loose fromthe guide groove a7. It also prevents damage through continued use, theinput of dropping force, impact force, or the like, and so forth.

As discussed above, during normal operation, that is, when the camera isnot dropped or otherwise subjected to impact, and there is no adheredforeign matter, worn parts, etc., only the side face a73 on the frontside in the optical axis direction is in contact with the driven portion411. Accordingly, the above effect can be obtained as long as at leastthe angle of the side face on the rear side in the optical axisdirection with respect to the direction perpendicular to the opticalaxis is small.

Because the guide groove a7 that engages with the driven portion 411 isformed in the third rectilinear frame 130, rotation of the retractinglens frame 401 can be started earlier during the transition periodbetween the imaging enabled state and the housed state. If the guidegroove a7 is provided to the stationary portion of the imaging elementholder or the like, the retracting lens frame 401 is usually away fromthe stationary portion in the optical axis direction. Accordingly,during the transition period between the imaging enabled state and thehoused state, the guide groove a7 and the retracting lens frame 401cannot be instantly engaged, and the rotation of the retracting lensframe 401 cannot be started right away.

In contrast, if the guide groove a7 is provided to the third rectilinearframe 130, during the transition period between the imaging enabledstate and the housed state, the guide groove a7 and the driven portion411 always is close enough to engage. Accordingly, if the guide groovea7 is provided to the third rectilinear frame 130, the rotation of theretracting lens frame 401 can be started right away during thetransition period between the imaging enabled state and the housedstate.

Also, because the driven portion 411 and the guide groove a7 are formedin the third rectilinear frame 130, this improves the rotationalprecision of the retracting lens frame 401. For example, if the guidegroove a7 is provided to the stationary portion of the imaging elementholder or the like, there is the risk that more parts are in between thedriven portion 411 and the guide groove a7. The more of these partsthere are, the worse is the relative positional accuracy between thedriven portion 411 and the guide groove a7, and the less accurate is therelative rotation of the retracting lens frame 401 with respect to theretraction shaft 501 b. In contrast, if the guide groove a7 is providedto the third rectilinear frame 130, there are relatively few parts inbetween the driven portion 411 and the guide groove a7, so the relativepositional accuracy of the retracting lens frame 401 is increased.

Also, as discussed above, if the guide groove a7 is provided to thestationary portion of the imaging element holder or the like, there aremore parts in between the driven portion 411 and the guide groove a7, sothis adversely affects the relative rotational accuracy of theretracting lens frame 401 with respect to the retraction shaft 501 b.Furthermore, if the retracting lens frame 401 is mounted to the OISframe 400 so as to be rotatable around an axis parallel to the opticalaxis, there is a further loss of relative rotational accuracy betweenthe driven portion 411 and the guide groove a7. To put this another way,if a retraction mechanism is constituted and the OIS frame 400 ismounted to the shutter frame 335 so as to operate in a planeperpendicular to the optical axis (that is, if an image blur correctionmechanism is constituted), there is a further loss of relativerotational accuracy between the driven portion 411 and the guide groovea7. However, if the guide groove a7 is provided to the third rectilinearframe 130, there are relatively few parts in between the driven portion411 and the guide groove a7, so there is better relative rotationalaccuracy of the retracting lens frame 401 with respect to the retractionshaft 501 b.

Also, because the guide groove a7 that engages with the driven portion411 is formed in the third rectilinear frame 130, the guide groove a7can be easily constituted by three faces, namely, the side face a73 onthe front side in the optical axis direction, the side face a74 on therear side in the optical axis direction, and the bottom face a75 that isparallel to the optical axis and connects the above-mentioned two faces.

On the other hand, if the guide groove a7 is provided to the stationaryportion of the imaging element holder or the like, the guide groove a7has to be formed in the stationary portion of the imaging elementholder. Here, if an attempt is made to form the three faces constitutingthe guide groove a7 in the stationary portion of the imaging elementholder, then the stationary portion of the imaging element holder or thelike end up being larger. Also, if the guide groove a7 is formed in asmall space in order to avoid making the stationary portion of theimaging element holder larger, the guide groove a7 is not strong enough.

However, if the guide groove a7 is provided to the third rectilinearframe 130, since the third rectilinear frame 130 is cylindrical, it iseasy to provide the three faces of the guide groove a7. Also, in thiscase there is no need to form the guide groove a7 in the stationaryportion of the imaging element holder or the like, so there is no needto make the stationary portion of the imaging element holder larger.Also, in this case, since the portion where the guide groove a7 isformed is cylindrical, the strength of the guide groove a7 can also beimproved.

Furthermore, because the guide groove a7 that engages with the drivenportion 411 is formed in the third rectilinear frame 130, positioningcan be performed more accurately within the plane perpendicular to theoptical axis during retraction. If the guide groove a7 is provided tothe third rectilinear frame 130, a mechanism for positioning the OISframe 400 with respect to the third rectilinear frame 130 within theplane perpendicular to the optical axis is formed between it and thethird rectilinear frame 130. Accordingly, there is better positioningaccuracy of the retracting lens frame 401 and the OIS frame 400.

The reason why there is a need for a mechanism for positioning the OISframe 400 with respect to the third rectilinear frame 130 will now bediscussed. If the image blur correction mechanism causes the OIS frame400 to move within the plane perpendicular to the optical axis, therotational accuracy of the retracting lens frame 401 with respect to theOIS frame 400 decreases. Accordingly, during the retraction operation,the OIS frame 400 has to be stopped with respect to the thirdrectilinear frame 130. The reason why the rotational accuracy of theretracting lens frame 401 deteriorates when the OIS frame 400 moves isthat the positional relation between the retraction shaft 501 binstalled on the OIS frame 400 and the guide groove a7 installed on thethird rectilinear frame 130 ends up moving.

With the positioning mechanism in the example disclosed here, theposition where the OIS frame 400 is positioned in the planeperpendicular to the optical axis is the optical axis center. In thiscase, the distance the OIS frame 400 moves during positioning within theplane perpendicular to the optical axis is relatively short. This allowsthe positioning mechanism to be smaller.

This is not the only option, and the position where the OIS frame 400 ispositioned can also be set in the direction toward the guide groove a7,offset from the optical axis. In this case, since the retraction shaft501 b and the guide groove a7 move closer together, the speed increasingratio at which the retracting lens frame 401 rotates can be set higher.Specifically, the ratio of the rotational angle of the lens center ofthe retracting lens frame 401 to the rotational angle of the drivenportion 411, using the retraction shaft 501 b as a reference, can beincreased. This ensures the rotational angle necessary for retraction ofthe retracting lens frame 401 even though the guide groove a7 isrelatively short.

This is not the only option, and the position where the OIS frame 400 ispositioned can be set to the direction away from the guide groove a7,offset from the optical axis. In this case, since the retraction shaft501 b and the guide groove a7 move away from each other, the speedincreasing ratio at which the retracting lens frame 401 rotates can beset lower. Specifically, the ratio of the rotational angle of the lenscenter of the retracting lens frame 401 to the rotational angle of thedriven portion 411, using the retraction shaft 501 b as a reference, canbe decreased. This reduces the load exerted on the driven portion 411during retraction, and prevents wear of the contact face.

This is not the only option, and the position where the OIS frame 400 ispositioned can be set to the direction in which the retracting lensframe 401 retracts, offset from the optical axis. In this case, theretraction amount, that is, the rotational angle of the retracting lensframe 401 around the retraction shaft 501 b, can be reduced by an amountcorresponding to the offset. This ensures the rotational angle necessaryfor retraction of the retracting lens frame 401 even through the guidegroove a7 is relatively short. In this case, since the pressure angle ofthe guide groove a7 can be reduced, the load exerted on the drivenportion 411 during retraction can be reduced, and wear of the contactface can be prevented.

The reinforcing portion 130H is formed locally on the third rectilinearframe main body 131. The reinforcing portion 130H is formed on the innerperipheral face of the third rectilinear frame main body 131. Morespecifically, the reinforcing portion 130H is formed on the thirdrectilinear frame main body 131 so as to protrude toward the inside ofthe third rectilinear frame main body 131. Specifically, using the outerperipheral face of the third rectilinear frame main body 131 as areference, the reinforcing portion 130H is formed so that the thicknessof the reinforcing portion 130H increases toward the inner peripheralside from the thickness of the other portion. The “other portion”referred to here is the portion opposite the third lens support 420 ofthe retracting lens frame 401 in the housed state, on the inside in theradial direction of the third rectilinear frame main body 131, or is theportion opposite the actuator installed in the shutter frame 335. Thereinforcing portion 130H is formed near the guide groove a7, such asadjacent to the guide groove a7.

Also, in a cross section of the reinforcing portion 130H along a planethat is perpendicular to the optical axis, the inner peripheral face ofthe reinforcing portion 130H is substantially formed in an arc shapecentered on the retraction shaft 501 b. This allows the thickness to beset without any waste, so the driven portion 411 of the retracting lensframe 401 can be reliably moved in the interior of the guide groove a7.

The thickness of the reinforcing portion 130H is determined by thethickness of the guide groove a7. Specifically, the thickness of thereinforcing portion 130H is set so that the depth of the guide groove a7(the radial direction dimension of the guide groove a7) fits in thereinforcing portion 130H. The depth of the guide groove a7 is determinedby the size (height) of the driven portion 411 inserted into the guidegroove a7. The depth of the guide groove a7 (the radial directiondimension of the guide groove a7) is set so as to accommodate the heightof the driven portion 411 (the radial direction dimension of the drivenportion 411).

The thickness of the third rectilinear frame main body 131 is preferablyas thin as possible in order to reduce the outside diameter of the lensbarrel 20. The thickness of the portion opposite the relatively largeparts disposed on the inside in the radial direction of the thirdrectilinear frame main body 131 is preferably reduced. For example, inthe housed state, the thickness of the portion opposite the third lenssupport 420 of the retracting lens frame 401 is preferably reduced.Also, the thickness of the portion opposite the actuators installed onthe shutter frame 335 (such as the motor for driving the shutter vanes,the motor for aperture drive, the motor for driving the ND vanes, thecoil for correcting image blur, and the magnet for correcting imageblur) is preferably reduced.

However, the cam mechanism for moving the retracting lens frame 401,that is, the portion where the guide groove a7 and the driven portion411 engage, needs to be strong, so a certain amount of thickness isnecessary. If this portion having a certain thickness is formed on theinner peripheral face side of the third rectilinear frame main body 131,the outside diameter of the third rectilinear frame main body 131 can bekept from becoming larger. Specifically, an increase in the outsidediameter of the lens barrel 20 can be suppressed.

With the shutter frame 335, the OIS frame 400, and the second lens groupframe 320 that move in the optical axis direction on the radialdirection inside of the third rectilinear frame 130, the portionopposite the reinforcing portion 130H is made thinner than the otherportion in order to prevent interference. Specifically, this portion ismade thinner so that the radial direction dimension becomes smaller.

As shown in FIG. 9B, the third rectilinear frame 130 has two shuntinggrooves a9 for restricting movement of the OIS frame 400 with respect tothe shutter frame 335 or the third rectilinear frame 130. The twoshunting grooves a9 are formed in the inner peripheral face 130S of thethird rectilinear frame main body 131. The two shunting grooves a9 areformed in the third rectilinear frame main body 131 at a specificdistance apart from each other in the peripheral direction on the innerperipheral face 130S. The two shunting grooves a9 are disposed atpositions of approximately 120°, using the driven portion 411 as areference, as seen from the optical axis direction. The two shuntinggrooves a9 and the guide groove a7 restrict movement of the OIS frame400 in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, with respect tothe shutter frame 335 or the third rectilinear frame 130.

The two shunting grooves a9 are grooves extending in the optical axisdirection. The shunting grooves a9 are formed so that the groove part islarger on the flange 132 side. More specifically, the shunting groovesa9 have three portions, such as a first groove a91, a second groove a92,and a third groove a93. With the first groove a91 and the second groovea92, the shape of their cross section perpendicular to the optical axisis circular, semi-elliptical, trapezoidal, rectangular, parabolic, or acombination of these.

The first groove a91 is a groove part formed on the flange 132 side,that is, the second groove a92 is a groove part formed on the subjectside. The width and depth of the first groove a91 are greater than thewidth and depth of the second groove a92. The third groove a93 is in theform of a sloped face, a conical face, a curved face, or a shape that isa combination of these, so as to smoothly change from the width anddepth of the first groove a91 to the width and depth of the secondgroove a92. When shunting protrusions 404 (see FIG. 15A) of the OISframe 400 (discussed below) are disposed in the first grooves a91, theshunting protrusions 404 are movable inside the first grooves a91.Specifically, in this case the OIS frame 400 is movable within a planeperpendicular to the optical axis with respect to the third rectilinearframe 130 or the shutter frame 335.

The second groove a92 is a groove part extending in the optical axisdirection from the first groove a91. When the shunting protrusions 404(see FIG. 15A) of the OIS frame 400 (discussed below) are disposed inthe second grooves a92, the OIS frame 400 is constricted in the radialdirection and the peripheral direction with respect to the thirdrectilinear frame 130 or the shutter frame 335. Consequently, movementof the OIS frame 400 in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis isrestricted with respect to the third rectilinear frame 130 or theshutter frame 335.

The third groove a93 is a groove part extending in the optical axisdirection, and connects the first groove a91 and the second groove a92.When the shunting protrusions 404 (see FIG. 15A) of the OIS frame 400(discussed below) are disposed in the third grooves a93, the OIS frame400 transitions from a state of being movable within a planeperpendicular to the optical axis with respect to the third rectilinearframe 130 or the shutter frame 335, to a state of being graduallyrestricted in the radial direction and the peripheral direction.

Specifically, when the shunting protrusions 404 of the OIS frame 400 aredisposed from the first grooves a91, via the third grooves a93, in thesecond grooves a92, this positions the OIS frame 400 in the planeperpendicular to the optical axis.

The mechanism for positioning the OIS frame 400 (positioning mechanism)is constituted by engagement of the shunting grooves a9 (a91, a92, anda93) of the third rectilinear frame 130 with the shunting protrusions404 of the OIS frame 400, and by engagement of the guide groove a7 withthe driven portion 411. About the timing of this engagement, when thereis a change from the image blur correction enabled position to theretracted position, first the engagement of the guide groove a7 and thedriven portion 411 begins. After this, the engagement of the guidegroove a7 and the driven portion 411 begins. This prevent the OIS frame400 from end up moving in the direction of escaping, when the retractinglens frame 401 starts to rotate in the retraction direction and a forceis exerted on the driven portion 411 from the guide groove a7.

7. Configuration of First Lens Group Frame 310

FIG. 11 is an oblique view of the first lens group frame 310. The firstlens group frame 310 has a first lens group frame main body 311, threerectilinear protrusions A4, and three cam followers B3.

The first lens group frame main body 311 is formed in a cylindricalshape, and has an inner peripheral face 310S and an outer peripheralface 310T. Three protrusions 311 a that protrude toward the rear areformed on the first lens group frame main body 311.

The three rectilinear protrusions A4 are provided to the outerperipheral face 310T of the protrusions 311 a, and are disposed at asubstantially constant pitch in the peripheral direction. The threerectilinear protrusions A4 are engaged with the three rectilineargrooves a4 of the second rectilinear frame 120.

The three cam followers B3 are provided to the inner peripheral face310S of the protrusions 311 a, and are disposed at a substantiallyconstant pitch in the peripheral direction. The three cam followers B3are engaged with the three cam grooves b3 of the second rotary frame220.

The three cams b6 are formed only at the wall-shaped contact faces. Thethree cams b6 are disposed at a substantially constant pitch in theperipheral direction on the inner peripheral face 310S so as tointersect the optical axis direction. The three cams b6 are engaged withthe three cam follows B6 of the second rotary frame 220.

In this embodiment, the three rectilinear protrusions A4 and the threecam followers B3 are disposed substantially opposite each other. Inother words, the protrusions 311 a is disposed between each of the threerectilinear protrusions A4 and the three cam followers B3.

8. Configuration of Second Lens Group Frame 320

FIG. 12A is an oblique view of the second lens group frame 320. FIG. 12Bis a view of the second lens group frame 320 from the front. FIG. 12C isan oblique view of the relation between the second lens group frame 320and the sheet member 324.

As shown in FIG. 12A, the second lens group frame 320 has a second lensgroup frame main body 321, a second lens support 321L for supporting thesecond lens group L2, a housing receptacle 322 (an example of arestrictor that restricts movement of the retracting lens frame 401;discussed below), a housing portion 323, three rectilinear protrusionsA5, and three cam followers B4.

The second lens group frame main body 321 is formed in a cup shape, andhas an outer peripheral face 320T.

The housing receptacle 322 is used to position the retracting lens frame401 by restricting movement of the retracting lens frame 401, and cominginto contact with the positioning portion 412 of the retracting lensframe 401, during the transition period between the imaging enabledstate and the housed state. As shown in FIG. 12A, the housing receptacle322 is formed integrally with the second lens group frame main body 321.More precisely, the housing receptacle 322 is formed integrally with thesecond lens group frame main body 321 on the outer peripheral part ofthe second lens support 321L (the portion supporting the second lensgroup L2). The housing receptacle 322 has the guide portion 322 a thatguides the retracting lens frame 401 to the retracted position by cominginto contact with the positioning portion 412 of the retracting lensframe 401, and the support portion 322 b that supports the retractinglens frame 401 at the retracted position (see FIG. 17A).

The guide portion 322 a has a sloped face. The sloped face is formed sothat the distance from the optical axis AX decreases as a position onthe sloped face moves toward the imaging element side along the opticalaxis AX.

The cam mechanism constituted by the guide groove a7 and the drivenportion 411 changes the orientation of the retracting lens frame 401,when the third rectilinear frame 130 moves relatively in the opticalaxis direction with respect to the retracting lens frame 401. Afterthis, the retracting lens frame 401 is guided to the retracted positionby contacting the positioning portion 412 of the retracting lens frame401 with the guide portion 322 a (sloped face).

The support portion 322 b is a portion extending in the optical axisdirection, and supports the retracting lens frame 401. As discussedabove, the positioning portion 412 of the retracting lens frame 401guided by the guide portion 322 a is supported in a state of being incontact with the support portion 322 b.

As shown in FIGS. 12A to 12C, the housing portion 323 is a portion forhousing at least part of the OIS frame 400 and the retracting lens frame401 in the retracted state. The housing portion 323 has a first housingportion 323 a and a second housing portion 323 b.

The first housing portion 323 a is used to house a second linkingportion 408 of the OIS frame 400 (discussed below). The first housingportion 323 a is a hole provided on the front face side of the secondlens group frame main body 321. The first housing portion 323 a isprovided above the second lens group L2.

In the second lens group L2, the upper and lower outer peripheral partsof the lens are cut in the flat. Specifically, the second lens group L2is formed in an oval shape as seen in the optical axis direction. Theupper and lower portions on the front face side of the second lens groupframe main body 321 are wider than the other portion. Accordingly, thesecond lens group frame 320 has adequate strength even though a hole isprovided on the front face side of the second lens group frame main body321. The reason that the outer peripheral parts of the upper and lowerportions of the lens in the second lens group L2 can be cut in the flatthat is, the reason that the second lens group L2 can have an oval shapeas seen in the optical axis direction, is that an imaging element 103 isformed in a rectangular shape. That is, since the imaging element 103 isrectangular in shape, the range of the light beams passing through thesecond lens group L2 becomes in the shape of a rectangular ring.Therefore, in the example disclosed here, the hole on the front faceside of the second lens group frame main body 321 is provided above, butthe same effect is obtained if it is provided below.

The first housing portion 323 a is formed in a shape substantiallysimilar to the outer shape of the second linking portion 408. Also, atleast part of the first housing portion 323 a and at least part of thesecond linking portion 408 overlap in the optical axis direction. Thisallows the size of the lens barrel 20 to be smaller in the optical axisdirection in the housed state.

The second housing portion 323 b is used to house the retraction shaft501 b, part of the retracting lens frame 401, part of the OIS frame 400,part of the shutter frame 335, an OIS rotary shaft 334, and a thrustspring 402. The second housing portion 323 b is a hole provided on thefront face side of the second lens group frame main body 321. The secondhousing portion 323 b is formed in a shape corresponding to the parts tobe housed.

As shown in FIG. 12B, the sheet member 324 is affixed to the front faceof the second lens group frame 320. The sheet member 324 prevents lightfrom leaking out of the hole in the front face of the second lens groupframe 320 (including the housing portion 323), and also improves theaesthetics.

The three rectilinear protrusions A5 are formed on the rear end of theouter peripheral face 320T, and are disposed at a substantially constantpitch in the peripheral direction. The three rectilinear protrusions A5are engaged with the three rectilinear grooves a5 of the thirdrectilinear frame 130.

The three cam followers B4 are formed on the three rectilinearprotrusions A5, that is, on the outside in the radial direction. Thethree cam followers B4 are engaged with the three cam grooves b4 of thesecond rotary frame 220.

9. Configuration of Third Lens Group Frame 330

FIG. 13A shows the state when the third lens group frame 330 has beenhoused in the interior of the shutter frame 335. The configuration ofthe third lens group frame 330 will be described through reference toFIG. 13A.

The third lens group frame 330 (an OIS (optical image stabilizer) unit)mainly has the OIS frame 400 (an example of a support frame), theretracting lens frame 401, the thrust spring 402 (an example of a firstbiasing means), the rotary spring 403 (an example of a second biasingmeans, and an example of a biasing member), the third lens group L3 forimage blur correction, and two magnets 521.

As shown in FIGS. 13A and 14A, the OIS frame 400 is mounted to theshutter frame 335. The optical axis direction position of the OIS frame400 with respect to the shutter frame 335 is maintained because threeOIS shafts 339 that are press-fitted to the shutter frame 335 areinserted into optical axis direction maintenance portions 415 at threeplaces on the OIS frame 400 (only two of the optical axis directionmaintenance portions 415 are shown in FIG. 14A). As shown in FIG. 14A,the position of the OIS frame 400 in a direction perpendicular to theoptical axis with respect to the shutter frame 335 is maintained becauseone OIS rotary shaft 334 press-fitted to the shutter frame 335 isinserted into a perpendicular direction maintenance portion 416 at oneplace on the OIS frame 400 in a direction perpendicular to the opticalaxis, and a perpendicular direction stopper pin 409 comes into contactwith the peripheral wall of a movable range restrictor 338 of the OISframe 400 (see FIG. 18B).

As shown in FIGS. 14A and 15A, a space ST is formed in the OIS frame 400in order to house the third lens support 420 that supports the thirdlens group L3 supported by the retracting lens frame 401 in the imagingenabled state. When the retracting lens frame 401 has been retracted,the second lens support 321L of the second lens group frame 320 ishoused in this space ST.

The OIS frame 400 also has a main body portion 405, a first linkingportion 407, and the second linking portion 408. The main body portion405 has a hole 405 a (an example of a first region) and a retractionportion 405 b (an example of a second region).

The hole 405 a forms the above-mentioned space ST. The hole 405 a isformed in the center of the main body portion 405. The third lenssupport 420 that supports the third lens group L3 in the imaging enabledstate is disposed in the hole 405 a. The hole 405 a also houses thesecond lens support 321L of the second lens group frame 320 whenretracted.

Part of the lower inner peripheral part of the hole 405 a is formed in astraight line. Specifically, the hole 405 a is formed in an oval shapeor a D shape. The reason for this is that the upper and lower portionsof the outer peripheral part of the second lens support 32 IL housed inthe hole 405 a when retracted are formed in a shape that is cut in theflat. Specifically, this is because part of the lower part of the secondlens support 321L is formed in a straight line. In other words, thesecond lens support 321L is formed in an oval shape or a D shape whenviewed in the optical axis direction. The hole 405 a is formed so as tocorrespond to this shape of the second lens support 321L.

The reason why the upper and lower portions of the outer peripheral partof the second lens support 321L are formed in a shape that is cut in theflat, that is, in an oval shape or a D shape when viewed in the opticalaxis direction, is that the lens of the second lens group L2 is formedin the same shape. That is, the second lens support 321L is formed so asto correspond to the lens shape of the second lens group L2.

This ensures there is a region to dispose members under the OIS frame400. The magnets 521, which are part of the image blur correctionmechanism, are disposed in this region. Also, if the hole 405 a isprovided to the OIS frame 400, a decrease in the strength of the secondlens group frame 320 can be reduced.

Since the imaging element 103 is formed in rectangular shape, the secondlens group L2 is formed so that the upper and lower portions of theouter peripheral part of the lens have a shape that is cut in the flat,that is, an oval shape or a D shape when viewed in the optical axisdirection. This is because the range of the light beams passing throughthe second lens group L2 is in the shape of a rectangular ring.Therefore, in the example disclosed here, the portion of the hole 405 aof the OIS frame 400 formed in a straight line, that is, the straightpart of the D shape, is provided below, but the same effect is obtainedif it is provided above.

The retraction portion 405 b is formed continuously with the hole 405 a.The retraction portion 405 b is formed on the outer peripheral part ofthe main body portion 405.

The first linking portion 407 serves to increase the strength of themain body portion 405. The first linking portion 407 is formedintegrally with the main body portion 405. The first linking portion 407is formed integrally with the main body portion 405 on one side of theretraction portion 405 b in the optical axis direction.

More specifically, the first linking portion 407 spans the retractionportion 405 b on the shutter frame 335 side of the main body portion405, and is formed integrally with the main body portion 405. Also, thefirst linking portion 407 is disposed on the outside of the opening ofthe shutter frame 335 when viewed in the optical axis direction. Also,the first linking portion 407 is disposed on the outside of the secondlens support 32 IL of the second lens group frame 320, that is, on theoutside in the radial direction, when viewed in the optical axisdirection. Therefore, since the first linking portion 407 and the secondlens support 321L do not overlap in the optical axis direction whenretracted, the second lens group frame 320 can be moved closer to theshutter frame 335 when retracted, and this results in a smaller lensbarrel 20.

As shown in FIGS. 14B and 15A, the first linking portion 407 is formedon the main body portion 405 so that the maximum width of the firstlinking portion 407 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axisbecomes less than the maximum width of the second linking portion 408 ina direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

As shown in FIG. 14B, the first linking portion 407 is formed on themain body portion 405 so that the maximum thickness of the first linkingportion 407 in the optical axis direction is less than the maximumthickness of the second linking portion 408 in the optical axisdirection.

Also, as shown in FIGS. 13B and 14B, the portion of the shutter frame335 that is opposite the first linking portion 407 at the face of ashutter frame main body 336 on the front side in the optical axisdirection is locally made thinner, and the first linking portion 407goes into this thinner part 350. Specifically, at least part of theshutter frame 335 and at least part of the first linking portion 407overlap in the optical axis direction. This allows the lens barrel 20 tobe even smaller in the optical axis direction.

Also, the thinner part 350 is formed in the shutter frame main body 336of the shutter frame 335 so that the clearance between the first linkingportion 407 and the thinner part 350 in a direction perpendicular to theoptical axis becomes greater than the clearance between the secondlinking portion 408 and the first housing portion 323 a in a directionperpendicular to the optical axis.

In the imaging enabled state, the OIS frame 400 moves in a directionperpendicular to the optical axis with respect to the shutter frame 335for image blur correction. The OIS frame 400 moves closer to the shutterframe 335 in the optical axis direction in the imaging enabled state,and the first linking portion 407 goes into the thinner part 350.However, in the imaging enabled state, the OIS frame 400 does not movecloser to the front face of the second lens group frame main body 321,and the second linking portion 408 is not housed in the first housingportion 323 a. A state in which the second linking portion 408 is housedin the first housing portion 323 a occurs only in the retracted state.Therefore, the clearance between the first linking portion 407 and thethinner part 350 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis mustbe set to at least the amount of movement of the OIS frame 400 in adirection perpendicular to the optical axis in order to preventinterference during image blur correction. On the other hand, theclearance between the second linking portion 408 and the first housingportion 323 a in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis does notneed to take into account the above-mentioned amount of movement. It isfor this reason that the clearance is formed as discussed above.

The protrusions 404 (see FIG. 15A) used to position the OIS frame 400substantially at an optical axis position protrude in the radialdirection from the side faces of the OIS frame 400. These protrusions404 are inserted into the side walls of the shutter frame main body 336,and therefore the side wall holes 351 are provided in the shutter framemain body 336 side walls. The OIS frame 400 comprises side walls 417that substantially cover the side wall holes 351 in the shutter framemain body 336. This prevents light from leaking through the side wallholes 351 in the shutter frame main body 336.

As shown in FIG. 13B, three light blocking walls 352 that protrude inthe radial direction are formed on the side faces of the shutter framemain body 336. The peripheral direction positions of the light blockingwalls 352 correspond to the peripheral direction positions of the threerectilinear grooves a5 of the third rectilinear frame 130. Theperipheral direction width of the three light blocking walls 352 issubstantially the same as or less than the peripheral direction width ofthe three rectilinear grooves a5 of the third rectilinear frame 130.This prevents light from leaking out through the three rectilineargrooves a5 of the third rectilinear frame 130.

As shown in FIG. 15A, the OIS frame 400 has the shunting protrusions 404that engage with the shunting grooves a9 of the third rectilinear frame130. The shunting protrusions 404 are formed integrally with the mainbody portion 405 of the OIS frame 400. More specifically, the twoshunting protrusions 404 are formed on the main body portion 405 so asto protrude outward from the outer peripheral part of the main bodyportion 405. Also, the two shunting protrusions 404 are formedintegrally with the main body portion 405, spaced apart by a specificdistance, around the outer peripheral part of the main body portion 405.The two shunting protrusions 404 are respectively fitted into and guidedby the two shunting grooves a9 of the third rectilinear frame 130.

More specifically, when the OIS frame 400 moves closer to the thirdrectilinear frame 130 in a state in which the OIS frame 400 has beenmounted to the shutter frame 335, the shunting protrusions 404 formed onthe OIS frame 400 are introduced from the flange 132 side of the thirdrectilinear frame 130 into the first grooves a91 of the thirdrectilinear frame 130. In a state in which the shunting protrusions 404are disposed in the first grooves a91, the OIS frame 400 is movablewithin a plane perpendicular to the third rectilinear frame 130 or theshutter frame 335.

Then, when the OIS frame 400 moves further in the optical axis directionon the inner peripheral side of the third rectilinear frame 130 in astate in which the OIS frame 400 has been mounted to the shutter frame335, the shunting protrusions 404 are introduced into the third groovesa93. As a result, the OIS frame 400 gradually transitions from a stateof being movable within a plane perpendicular to the optical axis withrespect to the third rectilinear frame 130 or the shutter frame 335, toa state of being restricted in the radial direction and the peripheraldirection.

When the shunting protrusions 404 are then introduced into the secondgrooves a92, the second grooves a92 press the shunting protrusions 404in the direction of the optical axis center from the inner peripheralface 130S of the third rectilinear frame 130. Consequently, movement ofthe OIS frame 400 is restricted in a plane perpendicular to the opticalaxis with respect to the third rectilinear frame 130 or the shutterframe 335. This positions the OIS frame 400. The positioning of the OISframe 400 in this embodiment is carried out before the retracting lensframe 401 begins to retract, but what is important is that thepositioning be completed by the time the retraction operation iscomplete.

In a state in which the OIS frame 400 has been mounted to the shutterframe 335, the first linking portion 407 is disposed above the magnets521 and a coil 522 (actuator) that are discussed below.

The second linking portion 408 is provided to increase the strength ofthe main body portion 405 and to block light to the imaging elementside. That is, the second linking portion 408 is also used as a lightblocking portion. The second linking portion 408 is formed integrallywith the main body portion 405. As compared to the case that the firstlinking portion 407 and the second linking portion 408 are both providedand the case that just the first linking portion 407 or the secondlinking portion 408 is provided, the strength of the main body portion405, which is decreased by providing the retraction portion 405 b, canbe increased. There also is less deterioration in accuracy duringinjection molding.

The second linking portion 408 is formed integrally with the main bodyportion 405 on the other side of the retraction portion 405 b in theoptical axis direction, that is, the opposite side from that of thefirst linking portion 407 in the optical axis direction.

More specifically, the second linking portion 408 is formed integrallywith the main body portion 405 and spans the retraction portion 405 b onthe subject side of the main body portion 405. Also, the second linkingportion 408 is disposed on the outside of the second lens group L2 whenviewed in the optical axis direction.

As discussed above, the first linking portion 407 is disposed on theoutside of the opening of the shutter frame 335 when viewed in theoptical axis direction. Also, the radius of the second lens group L2 isgreater than the radius of the opening in the shutter frame 335 in adirection perpendicular to the optical axis. Because of this, the innerperipheral part of the first linking portion 407 can be disposed more onthe inside in the radial direction than the inner peripheral part of thesecond linking portion 408.

In the example disclosed here, when viewed in the optical axisdirection, the inner peripheral part of the second linking portion 408and the inner peripheral part of the first linking portion 407 aredisposed more to the outside in the radial direction than the outsidediameter of the second lens support 321L.

Also, the inner peripheral part of the second linking portion 408 isdisposed more to the outside in the radial direction than the innerperipheral part of the first linking portion 407. This is because theoutside diameter of the second lens support 321L, that is, the frontside in the optical axis direction (the side opposite the second linkingportion 408) is greater than the rear side in the optical axis direction(the side opposite the first linking portion 407). Thus, the innerperipheral part of the second linking portion 408 and the innerperipheral part of the first linking portion 407 are disposed so as tocorrespond to the outside diameter of the second lens support 321L.

In the end, the shape of the first linking portion 407 and the shape ofthe inner peripheral part of the second linking portion 408 shouldcorrespond to the external shape with the largest outside diameter outof all the frames disposed in the hole 405 a (the second lens support321L and the third lens support 420), either in the imaging enabledstate or the retracted state. Specifically, the shape of the firstlinking portion 407 and the shape of the inner peripheral part of thesecond linking portion 408 should correspond to a shape that conforms tothe external shape the member at the farthest distance from the opticalaxis. This allows the lens barrel 20 to be made smaller while ensuringgood strength of the OIS frame 400 and maintaining good moldability.

Also, at least part of the portion where the second linking portion 408is opposite the third lens group L3 is formed so as to correspond to acurved face that encompasses the region through which the third lensgroup L3 passes during the transition from imaging to retraction(including during imaging and during retraction), and follow this curvedface (see FIG. 14B). In other words, the region of the second linkingportion 408 that is not opposite the curved face of the third lens groupL3 during the transition is formed thicker. On the other hand, theregion of the second linking portion 408 that is opposite the curvedface of the third lens group L3 during the transition is formed thinner.

This allows the lens barrel 20 to be made smaller while ensuring goodstrength of the OIS frame 400 and maintaining good moldability. Ofcourse, the shape may be further thinned so that there is no undercutduring sliding of the mold, and so as to encompass the curved face ofthe third lens group L3, according to the sliding direction of the moldduring injection molding. The same effect is obtained in this case aswell.

The second linking portion 408 is provided at a position a specificdistance away from the main body portion 405. The second linking portion408 is also provided at a position a specific distance away from thefirst linking portion 407.

When the retracting lens frame 401 is in its retracted state (housedstate), the third lens support 420 that supports the third lens group L3is disposed on the retraction portion 405 b between the first linkingportion 407 and the second linking portion 408.

The OIS frame 400 is movable in a plane perpendicular to the opticalaxis. More specifically, the magnets 521 are fixed to the OIS frame 400,and the coil 522 is fixed to the shutter frame 335 at a positionopposite the magnets 521. In this state, when power is supplied from acamera circuit (not shown) to the coil 522 of the shutter frame 335,current flows to the coil 522 and a magnetic field is generated. Thismagnetic field drives the magnets 521 of the OIS frame 400, and thisdrive force causes the OIS frame 400 to move within a planeperpendicular to the optical axis.

As shown in FIG. 15A, the OIS frame 400 further has three rail portions503. The three rail portions 503 (503 a to 503 c) are formed on the mainbody portion 405. The rail portions 503 are formed on one face of thesubstantially disk-shaped main body portion 405. The rail portions 503are formed on the main body portion 405 at positions opposite a contactface 603 formed on the retracting lens frame 401 (the first contact face603A discussed below).

The rail portions 503 are formed on the portion of the main body portion405 excluding the range where the third lens group L3 supported by theretracting lens frame 401 moves. Furthermore, the rail portions 503 areformed in a shape corresponding to the path over which the contact face603 (first contact face 603A; discussed below) moves when the lensbarrel 20 transitions from the imaging enabled state to the retractedstate.

As shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the OIS frame 400 further has ananti-rotation portion 511. The anti-rotation portion 511 is used toposition the retracting lens frame 401 in the imaging enabled state. Theanti-rotation portion 511 is formed integrally with the outer peripheralpart of the main body portion 405.

As shown in FIG. 15B, a recess 512 is formed in the anti-rotationportion 511. A second contact face 603B of the retracting lens frame 401(discussed below) comes into contact with one of two side walls 512 a ofthe recess 512. More specifically, the side walls 512 a are formed atpositions a specific distance away from the surface of the main bodyportion 405. These side walls 512 a are sloped so that they move closerto the opposite side wall (the surface of the main body portion 405) asthey move toward the bottom of the recess 512. This sloping pushes thesecond contact face 603B of the retracting lens frame 401 toward the OISframe 400, and presses the second contact face 603B of the retractinglens frame 401 against the contact face 512 c of the OIS frame 400.

As shown in FIG. 14A, the retracting lens frame 401 is supported by theOIS frame 400 so as to be movable around the retraction shaft 501 b,which is substantially parallel to the optical axis. The retracting lensframe 401 supports the third lens group L3 used to image blur correctionwith the third lens support 420. The third lens group L3 is made up ofone or more lenses.

The term “retraction shaft” as used below will sometimes be used in thesense of “the axis of the retraction shaft.”

As shown in FIG. 14A, the retracting lens frame 401 has a main bodyportion 401 a, a bearing 410, the driven portion 411, the positioningportion 412 (see FIGS. 17A and 19), the third lens support 420, and anengagement portion 413. The bearing 410 is formed integrally with themain body portion 401 a.

As shown in FIGS. 14A and 15A, the bearing 410 is rotatably mounted tothe support shaft 501 b (retraction shaft) provided to the OIS frame400. As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, a hole into which the retractionshaft 501 b is inserted is formed in the bearing 410. At least twocontact faces 601 a that come into contact with the retraction shaft 501b are formed in the hole of the bearing 410. In other words, the twocontact faces 601 a are formed in the inner peripheral face of thebearing 410.

The two contact faces 601 a are formed on the inner peripheral face ofthe bearing 410 on the proximal end side of the retraction shaft 501 b,that is, on the opening side of the bearing 410 (hole). The two contactfaces 601 a are formed on the inner peripheral face of the bearing 410so as to be in a mutually non-parallel relation. More specifically, whenthe bearing 410 (hole) is viewed in the depth direction, the two contactfaces 601 a are formed on the inner peripheral face of the bearing 410so as to form an angle.

As shown in FIG. 16B, the two contact faces 601 a (hereinafter referredto as V-faces) come into contact with the outer peripheral face of theretraction shaft 501 b. More specifically, the retracting lens frame 401is biased by the biasing force F0 of the rotary spring 403 (see FIG.16A), and the component force F1 of this biasing force F0 causes theV-faces 601 a of the bearing 410 to come into contact with the outerperipheral face of the retraction shaft 501 b.

As discussed below, in this embodiment, the other end 403 b of therotary spring 403 is bent. When the other end 403 b of the rotary spring403 is thus formed, the component force F1, that is, the force at whichthe contact faces 601 a of the bearing 410 are brought into contact withthe outer peripheral face of the retraction shaft 501 b, can beincreased over when the other end 403 b of the rotary spring 403 isformed in a straight line.

This allows the retraction shaft 501 b to be reliably positioned withrespect to the bearing 410 of the retracting lens frame 401. Moreprecisely, accuracy with respect to eccentricity of the retraction shaft501 b can be increased. The component forces of the biasing force F0 inFIG. 16A are F1 and F2.

The driven portion 411 is a portion that is driven against the biasingforce of the rotary spring 403 (discussed below) during the transitionperiod between the imaging enabled state and the housed state. As shownin FIGS. 14A and 19, the driven portion 411 is formed integrally andprotrudes outward from the main body portion 401 a. The driven portion411 engages with the guide groove a7 formed in the inner peripheral faceof the third rectilinear frame 130. More precisely, the driven portion411 engages with the guide groove a7 of the third rectilinear frame 130via an opening SK1 (discussed below) in the shutter frame 335. Thedriven portion 411 moves relatively in the optical axis direction withrespect to the retracting lens frame 401, and is thereby guided in theguide groove a7 of the third rectilinear frame 130. This changes theorientation of the retracting lens frame 401 between the imaging enabledstate and the retracted state.

The positioning portion 412 is formed on a portion (the third lenssupport 420) of the retracting lens frame 401 that supports the thirdlens group L3. The positioning portion 412 is positioned by the housingreceptacle 322 of the second lens group frame 320 during the transitionperiod between the imaging enabled state and the housed state.

The positioning portion 412 is formed so that the distance between thepositioning portion 412 and the retraction shaft 501 b becomes greaterthan the distance between the driven portion 411 and the retractionshaft 501 b. More precisely, as shown in FIG. 14A, the positioningportion 412 is formed so that the distance LK1 between the axis of theretraction shaft 501 b and the position where the positioning portion412 comes into contact with the housing receptacle 322 becomes greaterthan the distance LK2 between the axis of the retraction shaft 501 b andthe proximal end of the driven portion 411.

As shown in FIGS. 14A,17A, and 17B, the third lens support 420 is aportion that supports the third lens group L3. The third lens support420 is in the form of a cylinder. The third lens group L3 is mounted onthe inside of the third lens support 420.

As shown in FIG. 17B, the third lens support 420 has a cut-out 420 a,which is a portion with no wall on the outside of the third lens groupL3. The cut-out 420 a is provided to the outer peripheral part of thethird lens support 420. More specifically, the cut-out 420 a is aportion that is partially cut away from the outer peripheral part of thethird lens support 420. More precisely, in the cut-out 420 a, the sideof the outer peripheral part of the third lens support 420 that is awayfrom the optical axis in the imaging enabled state, when the retractinglens frame 401 is in the retracted state, is cut away. The cut-out 420 ais disposed opposite a light blocking portion 357 (see FIG. 14A) of theshutter frame 335 (discussed below) during the transition period betweenthe imaging enabled state and the housed state.

As shown in FIGS. 14A and 18C, the third lens support 420 is disposedbetween the second linking portion 408 and the face on the front side inthe optical axis direction of the shutter frame main body 336 of theshutter frame 335 during the transition period between the imagingenabled state and the housed state. Also, the third lens support 420 isdisposed between the second linking portion 408 and the first linkingportion 407 when it has entered the thinner part 350 of the face on thefront side in the optical axis direction of the shutter frame main body336. At least part of the shutter frame 335 overlaps at least part ofthe first linking portion 407 in the optical axis direction. This allowsthe lens barrel 20 to be smaller in the optical axis direction in itshoused state.

As shown in FIGS. 18A to 18C, a first engagement portion 413 a is aportion capable of engaging with a first restrictor 337 a of the shutterframe 335 (discussed below). Also, a second engagement portion 413 b isa portion capable of engaging with the second linking portion 408 of theOIS frame 400 (discussed below). The engagement portions here constitutethe first engagement portion 413 a that engages with the firstrestrictor 337 a (discussed below), and the second engagement portion413 b that engages with the second linking portion 408, which acts as arestrictor during the transition period between the imaging enabledstate and the housed state.

As shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, the first engagement portion 413 a isformed near the retraction shaft 501 b. As shown in FIG. 18B, the firstengagement portion 413 a is disposed between the first restrictor 337 aand the OIS frame 400. The second engagement portion 413 b is formed onthe third lens support 420 that supports the third lens group L3. Thesecond engagement portion 413 b is disposed opposite the second linkingportion 408 formed on the OIS frame 400, during the transition periodbetween the imaging enabled state and the housed state.

As shown in FIG. 19, the retracting lens frame 401 further has theplurality of contact portions 603 (603A and 603B). The contact portions603 are formed integrally with the main body portion 401 a of theretracting lens frame 401. The contact portions 603 are made up of threefirst contact portions 603A (603A1, 603A2, and 603A3) and a secondcontact portion 603B.

The three first contact portions 603A and the second contact portion603B are formed integrally with the main body portion 401 a at adifferent position from the bearing 410. In other words, the three firstcontact portions 603A and the second contact portion 603B are formed onthe main body portion 401 a at a different position from the retractionshaft 501 b supported by the bearing 410. Also, the three first contactportions 603A and the second contact portion 603B are formed on the mainbody portion 401 a at a different position from the retraction shaft 501b so as to be capable of contact with the OIS frame 400.

More precisely, the two contact portions 603A1 and 603A2 out of thethree first contact portions 603A are formed on the main body portion401 a near the retraction shaft 501 b. The two contact portions 603A 1and 603A2 are formed on the main body portion 401 a so that theretraction shaft 501 b is located between the two contact portions 603A1and 603A2. The other first contact portion 603A3 besides these twocontact portions 603A 1 and 603A2, and the second contact portion 603Bare formed on the main body portion 401 a at a position that is awayfrom the retraction shaft 501 b.

The three first contact portions 603A(603A1, 603A2, and 603A3) shown inFIG. 19 are able to come into contact with the OIS frame 400.Specifically, when the three first contact portions 603A come intocontact with the OIS frame 400, movement of the retracting lens frame401 in the optical axis direction is restricted.

More precisely, when the three first contact portions 603A come intocontact with the rail portions 503 of the OIS frame 400 (see FIG. 15A),movement of the retracting lens frame 401 in the optical axis directionis restricted. More specifically, when the lens barrel 20 is in itsimaging enabled state, the three first contact portions 603A1, 603A2,and 603A3 come into contact with the rail portions 503 a, 503 b, and 503c of the OIS frame 400. The first contact portion 603A 1 comes intocontact with the rail portion 503 a, the first contact portion 603A2comes into contact with the rail portion 503 b, and the first contactportion 603A3 comes into contact with the rail portion 503 c.

When the three first contact portions 603A thus hit the rail portions503 of the OIS frame 400, this restricts movement of the retracting lensframe 401 in the optical axis direction.

The second contact portion 603B shown in FIG. 19 is used to position theretracting lens frame 401 on the OIS frame 400 in the imaging enabledstate. The second contact portion 603B comes into contact with theanti-rotation portion 511 of the OIS frame 400 in the imaging enabledstate. The outer peripheral part of the second contact portion 603B isformed so as to mate with the anti-rotation portion 511 of the OIS frame400. For example, the outer peripheral part of the second contactportion 603B is formed in a tapered shape (see FIG. 15B). When thesecond contact portion 603B is fitted into the recess 512 of theanti-rotation portion 511 of the OIS frame 400, the retracting lensframe 401 can be reliably positioned in the imaging enabled state.

As shown in FIG. 14A, the thrust spring 402 is a spring that biases theretracting lens frame 401 in the optical axis direction with respect tothe OIS frame 400. The thrust spring 402 is formed in an approximate Cshape. One end of the thrust spring 402 is mounted to the OIS frame 400,and the other end of the thrust spring 402 is mounted to the retractinglens frame 401. Consequently, the retracting lens frame 401 and the OISframe 400 are clamped by the thrust spring 402 in the optical axisdirection.

As shown in FIG. 14A, the rotary spring 403 is a spring that biases theretracting lens frame 401 around a retraction shaft 510, that is, in adirection perpendicular to the optical axis. The rotary spring 403 issupported by the OIS frame 400. The rotary spring 403 is a torsion coilspring, for example. The coil portion of the rotary spring 403 isdisposed on the outer periphery of the bearing 410.

One end 403 a of the rotary spring 403 is clamped by latching portions504 a and 504 b (see FIG. 15A) formed on the OIS frame 400. As shown inFIG. 16A, the other end 403 b of the rotary spring 403 is mounted in agroove 605 formed in the retracting lens frame 401. The other end 403 bof the rotary spring 403 is bent in two stages.

As shown in FIG. 16A, the other end 403 b of the rotary spring 403 has afirst bent part 403 b 1 formed on the distal end side, and a second bentpart 403 b 2 formed in the middle. The first bent part 403 b 1 and thesecond bent part 403 b 2 are bent so as to follow the outer shape of thethird lens support 420 of the retracting lens frame 401. In this case,the first bent part 403 b 1 is mounted in the groove 605 formed in theretracting lens frame 401.

As shown in FIG. 16A, the first bent part 403 b 1 and the second bentpart 403 b 2 are bent so that a specific angle α is formed by a specificstraight line (horizontal line) passing through the axis of theretraction shaft 501 b, and the first bent part 403 b 1 of the other end403 b of the rotary spring 403.

Thus forming the other end 403 b of the rotary spring 403 increases theforce (component force F1) at which the contact faces 601 a of thebearing 410 come into contact with the outer peripheral face of theretraction shaft 501 b, as discussed above. This allows the retractionshaft 501 b to the reliably positioned with respect to the bearing 410of the retracting lens frame 401.

Because the rotary spring 403 biases the retracting lens frame 401 asdiscussed above, the second contact portion 603B of the retracting lensframe 401 comes into contact with the anti-rotation portion 511 of theOIS frame 400 (see FIGS. 13A and 15B). The OIS frame 400 is positionedwhen the bearing 410 is mounted to the retraction shaft 501 b of the OISframe 400, and the second contact portion 603B comes into contact withthe anti-rotation portion 511 of the OIS frame 400.

As shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the position of the retracting lens frame401 can be changed from a correction enabled position in which the thirdlens group L3 executes image blur correction (first orientation), to aretracted position in which the third lens group L3 has been retractedfrom the optical axis (second orientation). The retracting lens frame401 supports the third lens group L3, which is made up of at least onelens.

As shown in FIG. 17A, when the retracting lens frame 401 is in thecorrection enabled position, the center of the second lens group L2 andthe center of the third lens group L3 are located on the optical axisAX.

When the retracting lens frame 401 begins to retract, the retractinglens frame 401 and the second lens support 321L of the second lens frame320 move closer together while the retracting lens frame 401 rotates.This causes the positioning portion 412 of the retracting lens frame 401to come into contact with the guide portion 322 a of the second lensframe 320. The positioning portion 412 then moves over the guide portion322 a and reaches the support portion 322 b, and is supported by thesupport portion 322 b. Thus, the retracting lens frame 401 is supportedby the second lens frame 320.

FIG. 17B shows this state. That is, as shown in FIG. 17B, when theretracting lens frame 401 moves to the retracted position, theretracting lens frame 401 comes into contact with the support portion322 b of the second lens group frame 320, and is housed in the space ofthe second lens group frame 320, that is, in the space between thesecond lens support 321L and the outer peripheral face 320T (see FIG.12A). More specifically, the retracting lens frame 401 is supported andhoused in a state of being in contact with the support portion 322 b ofthe second lens frame 320 within the space on the outside in the radialdirection of the second lens group L2.

10. Configuration of Shutter Frame 335

The configuration of the shutter frame 335 will now be described throughreference to FIGS. 13A, 14A, and 18A to 18C. As shown in FIG. 13A, theshutter frame 335 has the shutter frame main body 336, three rectilinearprotrusions A6, and the three cam followers B5. Also, as shown in FIG.14A, the shutter frame 335 has an opening 356, the light blockingportion 357, and the first restrictor 337 a.

The shutter frame main body 336 is formed in a cylindrical shape, andhas an outer peripheral face 335T.

The three rectilinear protrusions A6 are formed on the outer peripheralface 335T, and are disposed at a substantially constant pitch in theperipheral direction. The three rectilinear protrusions A6 are engagedwith the three rectilinear grooves a6 of the third rectilinear frame130.

The three cam followers B5 are provided to the front end of the threerectilinear protrusions A6. The three cam followers B5 are engaged withthe three cam grooves b5 of the second rotary frame 220.

The opening 356 is a portion that houses a part 420 b of the third lenssupport 420 during the transition period between the imaging enabledstate and the housed state. As shown in FIG. 14A, the part 420 b of thethird lens support 420 is the portion adjacent to the cut-out 420 aduring the transition period between the imaging enabled state and thehoused state. More precisely, the light blocking portion 357 is providedto the opening 356 in order to block light rays.

As shown in FIGS. 18A to 18C, the restrictor is a portion that canrestrict movement of the retracting lens frame 401 in the optical axisdirection. The restrictor has a first restrictor 337 a formed near theretraction shaft 501 b, and a second linking portion 408 that acts as asecond restrictor and is formed at a position that is away from theretraction shaft 501 b.

The first restrictor 337 a is formed integrally with the shutter framemain body 336 on the front side (the subject side) of the firstengagement portion 413 a. More specifically, the first restrictor 337 aspans the space SK1 (see FIG. 18B) that houses the members near theretraction shaft 501 b, on the front side (the subject side) of thefirst engagement portion 413 a. The first restrictor 337 a restrictsmovement of the retracting lens frame 401 in the optical axis directionnear the retraction shaft 501 b, in the imaging enabled state and theretracted state.

The second linking portion 408 is formed integrally with the OIS frame400. More specifically, when the retracting lens frame 401 is in theretracted state, the second linking portion 408 spans the space SK2 onthe front side (the subject side) of the space SK2 (see FIG. 14A) thathouses the third lens group L3. The second linking portion 408 restrictsmovement of the retracting lens frame 401 in the optical axis directionnear the third lens group L3 in the retracted state.

During normal operation, that is, when no strong force is acting on theretracting lens frame 401, such as during an imaging operation, or whenthe power is switched on or off, the retracting lens frame 401 isclamped to the OIS frame 400 by the thrust spring 402, and its positionis restricted in the optical axis direction. Therefore, the firstrestrictor 337 a and the second linking portion 408 do not individuallycome into contact with the first engagement portion 413 a and the secondengagement portion 413 b. However, if a strong force (such as when thecamera is dropped) is exerted in the optical axis direction, theretracting lens frame 401 moves in the optical axis direction withrespect to the OIS frame 400 against the force of the thrust spring 402.

When a strong force (such as when the camera is dropped) is exerted inthe optical axis direction, the retracting lens frame 401 moves in theoptical axis direction with respect to the OIS frame 400, and the firstrestrictor 337 a comes into contact with the first engagement portion413 a. Accordingly, the thrust spring 402 can always be operated in itselastic range. Here, the engagement of a contact portion 414 with ananti-rotation portion 511 contributes to keeping the thrust spring 402in its elastic range.

When a strong force (such as when the camera is dropped) is exerted inthe optical axis direction in the retracted state, the retracting lensframe 401 moves in the optical axis direction with respect to the OISframe 400, and the first restrictor 337 a and the second linking portion408 individually come into contact with the first engagement portion 413a and the second engagement portion 413 b. Consequently, the thrustspring 402 can always be operated in its elastic range.

11. Engagement of Frames

FIGS. 20 to 22 are cross sections of the lens barrel 20. Noted thatFIGS. 20 to 22 are schematics that combine a plurality of cross sectionspassing through the optical axis AX. The lens barrel 20 is shown in itsretracted state in FIG. 20, in its wide angle state in FIG. 21, and inits telephoto state in FIG. 22. In this embodiment, the “imaging enabledstate” of the digital camera 1 means a state from the wide angle stateto the telephoto state of the lens barrel 20.

The gear portion 212 of the first rotary frame 210 meshes with the zoomgear 242 (not shown). The cam followers B1 of the first rotary frame 210are engaged with the cam grooves b1 of the stationary frame 100.Therefore, the first rotary frame 210 is movable in the optical axisdirection while rotating in the peripheral direction under the driveforce of the zoom motor 241.

The rectilinear protrusions A1 of the first rectilinear frame 110 areengaged with the rectilinear grooves a1 of the stationary frame 100. Thebayonet protrusions E1 of the first rotary frame 210 are engaged withthe bayonet groove e1 of the first rectilinear frame 110. Therefore, thefirst rectilinear frame 110 is movable rectilinearly in the optical axisdirection along with the first rotary frame 210.

The rectilinear cam followers AB2 of the second rectilinear frame 120are inserted into the cam grooves b2 of the first rotary frame 210, andare engaged with the rectilinear grooves a2 of the first rectilinearframe 110. Therefore, the second rectilinear frame 120 is movablerectilinearly in the optical axis direction according to the rotation ofthe first rotary frame 210.

The rectilinear protrusions A3 of the second rotary frame 220 areengaged with the rectilinear grooves a3 of the first rotary frame 210.The bayonet protrusions E2 of the second rotary frame 220 are engagedwith the bayonet groove e2 of the second rectilinear frame 120.Therefore, the second rotary frame 220 is movable in the optical axisdirection along with the second rectilinear frame 120 while rotating inthe peripheral direction along with the first rotary frame 210.

The latching portions 122 of the second rectilinear frame 120 arelatched to the latching recesses 133 of the third rectilinear frame 130.The bayonet protrusions E3 of the third rectilinear frame 130 areengaged with the bayonet grooves e3 of the second rotary frame 220. Thespacing of at least two of the rectilinear protrusions A3 of the secondrotary frame 220 is approximately 120° or more, the spacing of the twolatching portions 122 of the second rectilinear frame 120 isapproximately 120° or more, and the relative rotational angle duringthese during zoom drive is approximately 120° or less. Accordingly, thelatching portions 122 and the rectilinear protrusions A3 are disposed atthe same positions in the radial direction and the optical axisdirection, but are disposed at different positions in the rotationalangle direction, that is, the peripheral direction, and the thirdrectilinear frame 130 is movable rectilinearly in the optical axisdirection along with the second rectilinear frame 120 withoutinterfering with the rotation of the second rotary frame 220.

One of the two latching portions 122 is formed longer in the peripheraldirection than the other one, and one of the latching recesses 133 isformed longer in the peripheral direction than the other one as well,but the third rectilinear frame 130 is preferably made longer in theperipheral direction in the range that it does not interfere with therotation of the second rotary frame 220.

The spacing of at least two of the three rectilinear protrusions A3 ofthe second rotary frame 220 is approximately 150°, the spacing of thetwo latching portions 122 of the second rectilinear frame 120 isapproximately 150°, and the relative rotational angle during theseduring zoom drive is approximately 150° or less. Therefore, the thirdrectilinear frame 130 does not interfere with the rotation of the secondrotary frame 220. The same applies to the other angles.

The rectilinear protrusions A4 of the first lens group frame 310 areengaged with the rectilinear grooves a4 of the second rectilinear frame120. Also, the cam followers B3 of the first lens group frame 310 areengaged with the cam grooves b3 of the second rotary frame 220.Therefore, the first lens group frame 310 is movable rectilinearly inthe optical axis direction according to the rotation of the secondrotary frame 220.

The cams b6 of the first lens group frame 310 engage with the camfollowers B6 of the second rotary frame 220. The first lens group frame310 and the second rotary frame 220 are engaged by two cam mechanisms,such as the cam mechanism b3 and the cam followers B3, and the cams b6and the cam followers B6. This prevents damage or dislocation of theframes in the event that an external force is exerted from the subjectside in the optical axis direction when the camera is dropped, etc.

The rectilinear protrusions A5 of the second lens group frame 320 areengaged with the rectilinear grooves a5 of the third rectilinear frame130. Also, the cam followers B4 of the second lens group frame 320 areengaged with the cam grooves b4 of the second rotary frame 220.Therefore, the second lens group frame 320 is movable rectilinearly inthe optical axis direction according to the rotation of the secondrotary frame 220.

The rectilinear protrusions A6 of the shutter frame 335 are engaged withthe rectilinear grooves a6 of the third rectilinear frame 130. Also, thecam followers B5 of the shutter frame 335 are engaged with the camgrooves b5 of the second rotary frame 220. Therefore, the shutter frame335 is movable rectilinearly in the optical axis direction according tothe rotation of the second rotary frame 220.

The third lens group frame 330 is mounted to the shutter frame 335, andwhen the shutter frame 335 moves rectilinearly in the optical axisdirection with respect to the third rectilinear frame 130, theretracting lens frame 401 of the third lens group frame 330 is rotatedby a retraction mechanism (the guide groove a7 of the third rectilinearframe 130 and the driven portion 411 of the retracting lens frame 401).Consequently, in a transition from the retracted state to the imagingenabled state, the retracting lens frame 401 moves from its retractedposition to a correction enabled position. Also, in a transition fromthe imaging enabled state to the retracted state, the retracting lensframe 401 moves from the correction enabled position to the retractedposition. When the retracting lens frame 401 is disposed in thecorrection enabled position, the third lens group L3 is movable within aplane perpendicular to the optical axis. That is, image blur correctionis possible in this state.

Thus, the lens group frames 310, 320, and 335 and the first to thirdrectilinear frames 110 to 130 move rectilinearly by the rotation of thefirst rotary frame 210 and the second rotary frame 220 under the

Method for Assembling the Lens Barrel 20

The method for assembling the lens barrel 20 will now be described.

First, the third rectilinear frame 130 is inserted from the rear of thesecond rotary frame 220. The third rectilinear frame 130 is then rotatedin the peripheral direction to set the telephoto state.

Next, the second lens group frame 320 is inserted from the rear of thethird rectilinear frame 130.

Next, the retracting lens frame 401 is inserted from the front of theOIS frame 400, and the retracting lens frame 401 is rotatably attachedto the OIS frame 400.

Next, the OIS frame 400 is inserted from the front of the shutter frame335.

Next, the shutter frame 335 is inserted from the rear of the thirdrectilinear frame 130. The second rotary frame 220 is then rotated inthe peripheral direction to set the retracted state.

Next, the second rotary frame 220 is inserted from the rear of the firstlens group frame 310.

Next, the second rectilinear frame 120 covers the first lens group frame31 from the front of the first lens group frame 310.

Next, the first rotary frame 210 is inserted from the rear of the firstrectilinear frame 110. The second rectilinear frame 120 is then insertedfrom the rear of the first rotary frame 210.

Next, the first rectilinear frame 110 is inserted from the rear of thestationary frame 100.

Finally, the first rotary frame 210 is rotated with respect to thestationary frame 100 to set the retracted state.

Operation and Orientation of Retraction Lens Frame

The operation and orientation of the retraction lens frame will now bedescribed in detail.

When the lens barrel 20 transitions from the imaging enabled state tothe retracted state, the retracting lens frame 401 is moved by aretraction mechanism (the guide groove a7 of the third rectilinear frame130 and the driven portion 411 of the retracting lens frame 401) fromthe correction enabled position to the retracted position. Specifically,the retraction mechanism changes the orientation of the retracting lensframe 401 from an imaging enabled state to a retracted state. When thelens barrel 20 transitions from the retracted state to the imagingenabled state, the above operation is performed in reverse to change theorientation of the retracting lens frame 401 between the imaging enabledstate and the retracted state.

The retraction mechanism will now be described in detail. The cammechanism, which operates based on engagement of the cam followers B5and the cam grooves b5 of the second rotary frame 220, causes theshutter frame 335 to move rectilinearly in the optical axis directionaccording to the rotation of the second rotary frame 220. The retractinglens frame 401 integrally engages with the shutter frame 335 asdiscussed below, and the above-mentioned cam mechanism causes it to moverelatively in the optical axis direction with respect to the thirdrectilinear frame 130 from the imaging enabled state to the retractedstate. In the process of transitioning from the imaging enabled state tothe retracted state, the driven portion 411 engages with the drivenportion 411 and moves along the path of the guide groove a7. The guidegroove a7 is a cam groove formed in the inner face of the thirdrectilinear frame 130. The driven portion 411 is a cam follower. Asshown in FIG. 9A, a portion (the sloped part a71) that is sloped withrespect to the optical axis and a portion (the parallel part a72) thatis parallel to the optical axis are formed on the guide groove a7. Whenthe driven portion 411 moves along this sloped part a71, the retractinglens frame 401 rotates around the retraction shaft 501 b. The retractinglens frame 401 transitions between an image blur correction position anda retracted position by rotating around the retraction shaft 501 b.

The retracting lens frame 401 integrally engages with the OIS frame 400in the optical axis direction, and the OIS frame 400 integrally engageswith the shutter frame 335 in the optical axis direction. Accordingly,the movement of the retracting lens frame 401 with respect to the thirdrectilinear frame 130 in the optical axis direction is the same as themovement of the shutter frame 335 with respect to the third rectilinearframe 130 in the optical axis direction. The rectilinear protrusions A6of the shutter frame 335 are engaged with the rectilinear grooves a6 ofthe third rectilinear frame 130. Also, the cam followers B5 of theshutter frame 335 are engaged with the cam grooves b5 of the secondrotary frame 220. Therefore, the shutter frame 335 is movablerectilinearly in the optical axis direction according to the rotation ofthe second rotary frame 220.

The OIS frame 400 supported by the shutter frame 335 is positioned in adirection perpendicular to the optical axis by the third rectilinearframe 130 before the retracting lens frame 401 begins to retract. Forexample, if a transition from the imaging enabled state to the housedstate (that is, the retracted state) is performed, when the shutterframe 335 moves rectilinearly in the optical axis direction, theshunting protrusions 404 of the OIS frame 400 supported by the shutterframe 335 are mated with the shunting grooves a9 of the thirdrectilinear frame 130 from the flange 132 side of the third rectilinearframe 130. When the shutter frame 335 then moves rectilinearly furtherin the optical axis direction, the shunting protrusions 404 are pressedby the shunting grooves a9, and the OIS frame 400 is restricted withrespect to the shutter frame 335. Thus, the positioning of the OIS frame400 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis is executed beforethe retracting lens frame 401 begins its retraction operation.

When the retracting lens frame 401 supported by the shutter frame 335moves from the image blur correction enabled position (that is theimaging enabled position) to the retracted position, the retracting lensframe 401 is rotated by a retraction mechanism constituting the drivenportion 411 of the retracting lens frame 401 and the guide groove a7 ofthe third rectilinear frame main body 131, on the inside of the thirdrectilinear frame main body 131. During this time, the retracting lensframe 401 and the second lens support 321L of the second lens frame 320move closer together in the optical axis direction. In a state of havingbeen placed on the shutter frame 335, the retracting lens frame 401 ismoved in the optical axis direction by the cam mechanism operated byengagement of the cam followers B5 and the cam grooves b5 of the secondrotary frame 220, and the second lens frame 320 is moved in the opticalaxis direction by the cam mechanism operated by engagement of the camfollowers B4 and the cam grooves b4 of the second rotary frame 220. Theretracting lens frame 401 and the second lens frame 320 move closertogether based on the difference in the paths of the cam grooves b5 andthe cam grooves b4. The positioning portion 412 of the retracting lensframe 401 is then guided by the guide portion 322 a of the second lensframe 320 and comes into contact with the support portion 322 b (seeFIG. 17A). Consequently, in a state that the retracting lens frame hascome into contact with the support portion 322 b of the second lensframe 320, the retracting lens frame 401 is housed in the space of thesecond lens frame 320, that is, in the space between the second lenssupport 321L and the outer peripheral face 320T. More specifically, theretracting lens frame 401 is supported and housed in a state of being incontact with the support portion 322 b of the second lens frame 320within the space on the outside in the radial direction of the secondlens group L2.

At this point, the second linking portion 408 of the OIS frame 400 ishoused in the first housing portion 323 a of the second lens frame 320,and the retraction shaft 501 b, part of the retracting lens frame 401,part of the OIS frame 400, part of the shutter frame 335, the OIS rotaryshaft 334, and the thrust spring 402 are housed in the second housingportion 323 b of the second lens frame 320 (see FIGS. 12A to 12C).

Also, at this point, the first linking portion 407 of the OIS frame 400is housed in the thinner part 350 of the face of the shutter frame mainbody 336 on the front side in the optical axis direction.

As shown in FIG. 17B, in this state, the second lens support 321L of thesecond lens frame 320 is housed in the space ST of the OIS frame 400(see FIG. 14A).

Also, in this state, one end of the thrust spring 402 is mounted to theOIS frame 400, and the other end of the thrust spring 402 is mounted tothe retracting lens frame 401. Consequently, the retracting lens frame401 and the OIS frame 400 are clamped and positioned in the optical axisdirection by the thrust spring 402.

Also, in this state, the third lens support 420 of the retracting lensframe 401 is disposed between the first linking portion 407 and thesecond linking portion 408. Also, the first engagement portion 413 a(first engagement portion) near the drive axis of the retracting lensframe 401 is disposed between the first restrictor 337 a and the OISframe 400. Consequently, as discussed above, movement of the retractinglens frame 401 in the optical axis direction can be restricted in theevent that a powerful force (such as when the camera is dropped) isexerted in the optical axis direction.

Also, in this state, the cut-out 420 a formed in the third lens support420 of the retracting lens frame 401 is disposed opposite the lightblocking portion 357 of the shutter frame 335. Also, the opening 356 inthe shutter frame 335 houses the part 420 b of the third lens support420.

Meanwhile, when the lens barrel is in the imaging enabled state, thebearing 410 of the retracting lens frame 401 is mated with theretraction shaft 501 b of the OIS frame 400, and the contact portion 414of the retracting lens frame 401 comes into contact with theanti-rotation portion 511 of the OIS frame 400, thereby the retractinglens frame 401 is positioned with respect to the OIS frame 400 (see FIG.13A).

Also, in this state, one end of the thrust spring 402 is mounted to theOIS frame 400, and the other end of the thrust spring 402 is mounted tothe retracting lens frame 401. Consequently, the retracting lens frame401 and the OIS frame 400 are clamped and positioned by the thrustspring 402 in the optical axis direction.

Also, in this state, image blur correction on the OIS frame 400 can beaccomplished by using the third lens group L3 of the retracting lensframe 401.

Also, in this state, the first engagement portion 413 a (firstengagement portion) near the drive axis of the retracting lens frame 401is disposed between the first restrictor 337 a and the OIS frame 400.Consequently, as discussed above, movement of the retracting lens frame401 in the optical axis direction can be restricted in the event that apowerful force (such as when the camera is dropped) is exerted in theoptical axis direction.

Action and Effect

(1) This lens barrel 20 comprises the second lens group L2, the thirdrectilinear frame 130, the shutter frame 335, and the retracting lensframe 401. The retracting lens frame 401 is configured to support thethird lens group L3. The shutter frame 335 is configured to move in theoptical axis direction of the second lens group L2 with respect to thethird rectilinear frame 130. The retracting lens frame 401 is configuredto be supported by the shutter frame 335, and move so that a position ofthe optical axis of the third lens group L3 changes from a position onthe optical axis of the second lens group L2 to a position that isoutside the optical axis of the second lens group L2 during thetransition period between the imaging enabled state and the housedstate.

The third rectilinear frame 130 includes a third rectilinear frame mainbody 131. The guide groove a7 is formed in the inner peripheral part ofthe third rectilinear frame main body 131. The guide groove a7 includesat least one side wall. The at least one side wall is configured tostand inward from the inner peripheral part of the third rectilinearframe main body 131.

The retracting lens frame 401 includes the driven portion 411. Thedriven portion 411 is configured to engage with and guided by the guidegroove a7 when the retracting lens frame 401 moves around the retractionshaft. The thickness of the region constituting the side walls of theguide groove a7 is increased over the thickness of the other regiontoward the inside of the third rectilinear frame main body 131. The“other region” referred to here is the portion opposite the third lenssupport 420 of the retracting lens frame 401 in the housed state, on theinside in the radial direction of the third rectilinear frame main body131, or is the portion opposite the actuator installed in the shutterframe 335.

With this lens barrel 20, the orientation of the retracting lens frame401 is changed by a cam mechanism (the guide groove a7 and the drivenportion 411). More specifically, the orientation of the retracting lensframe 401 is changed when the driven portion 411 is engaged with andguided by the guide groove a7.

Because the guide groove a7 that engages with the driven portion 411 isformed in the third rectilinear frame 130, rotation of the retractinglens frame 401 can be started earlier during the transition periodbetween the imaging enabled state and the housed state. This is becausethe guide groove a7 and the driven portion 411 are always in closepositions that allow engagement.

Also, because the guide groove a7 that engages with the driven portion411 is formed in the third rectilinear frame 130, the rotationalaccuracy of the retracting lens frame 401 can be increased. This isbecause there are relatively few parts between the driven portion 411and the guide groove a7.

Also, because the guide groove a7 that engages with the driven portion411 is formed in the third rectilinear frame 130, the guide groove a7can be easily constituted by three faces, namely, the side face a73 onthe front side in the optical axis direction, the side face a74 on therear side in the optical axis direction, and the bottom face a75 that isparallel to the optical axis and connects the above-mentioned two faces,and the strength of the guide groove a7 can also be increased. This isbecause the third rectilinear frame 130 is cylindrical.

Furthermore, because the guide groove a7 that engages with the drivenportion 411 is formed in the third rectilinear frame 130, positioningcan be performed more accurately in a plane that is perpendicular to theoptical axis during retraction. This is because a mechanism forpositioning the third rectilinear frame 130 in a plane that isperpendicular to the optical axis is formed with the third rectilinearframe 130.

The thickness of the third rectilinear frame main body 131 is preferablyas thin as possible in order to reduce the outside diameter of the lensbarrel 20. The thickness of the portion opposite the relatively largeparts disposed on the inside in the radial direction of the thirdrectilinear frame main body 131 is preferably reduced. For example, inthe housed state, the thickness of the portion opposite the third lenssupport 420 of the retracting lens frame 401 is preferably reduced.Also, the thickness of the portion opposite the actuators installed onthe shutter frame 335 (such as the motor for driving the shutter vanes,the motor for aperture drive, the motor for driving the ND vanes, thecoil for correcting image blur, and the magnet for correcting imageblur) is preferably reduced. However, the cam mechanism for moving theretracting lens frame 401, that is, the portion where the guide groovea7 and the driven portion 411 engage, needs to be strong. Therefore,with this lens barrel 20, the thickness of the portion where the guidegroove a7 and the driven portion 411 engage, that is, in the regionconstituting the side wall of the guide groove a7, is increased overthat in the other region, facing toward the inside of the thirdrectilinear frame main body 131. More specifically, in the regionconstituting the side wall of the guide groove a7, the reinforcingportion 130H is formed on the inside of the third rectilinear frame mainbody 131. This ensures that the third rectilinear frame main body 131 isstrong while suppressing an increase in the outside diameter of thethird rectilinear frame main body 131. Specifically, the lens barrel 20can be made smaller. The shutter frame 335, the OIS frame 400, and thesecond lens group frame 320 move in the optical axis direction on theinside in the radial direction of the third rectilinear frame 130.Therefore, for the purpose of preventing interference, the portions ofthe shutter frame 335, the OIS frame 400, and the second lens groupframe 320 that are opposite the reinforcing portion 130H are reduced inthickness as compared to the other portions, that is, they are madesmaller in the radial direction.

(2) With this lens barrel 20, the region constituting the side wall ofthe guide groove a7 includes the area near the portion where the guidegroove a7 is formed. More specifically, the reinforcing portion 130H isformed near the portion where the guide groove a7 is formed. Even morespecifically, the reinforcing portion 130H is formed adjacent to theguide groove a7.

(3) With this lens barrel 20, the guide groove a7 is formed in a grooveshape. The guide groove a7 includes two opposing side walls. In thiscase, since the guide groove a7 is formed in a groove shape, when theretracting lens frame 401 is rotated, the driven portion 411 hits oneface (one of the side faces) of the guide groove a7. Accordingly, theretracting lens frame 401 if just this one side face is provided.However, because the guide groove a7 is formed in a groove shape, theposition of the driven portion 411 is reliably maintained by the guidegroove a7 even if the camera is dropped, subjected to an impact, etc.,so the orientation of the retracting lens frame 401 can be kept stable.Furthermore, even if the rotational load of the retracting lens frame401 is increased over the rotational force of the rotary spring 403 dueto the influence of wear through continuous use or of the adhesion offoreign matter in the guide groove a7, the retracting lens frame 401 canstill be forcibly rotated.

The reinforcing portion 130H is formed thick enough to accommodate thedepth (that is, the radial direction dimension) of the guide groove a7.The depth (that is, the radial direction dimension) of the guide groovea7 needs to accommodate the height (that is, the radial directiondimension) of the driven portion 411. Accordingly, during cam mechanismoperation, the driven portion 411 can be stably guided inside the guidegroove a7.

(4) Prior art has been disclosed in which, when the lens barreltransitions from an imaging state to a housed state, aninsertion/removal member that supports a second lens group is rotatedand retracted from the optical axis of a first lens group by a removalcontrol protrusion provided to an imaging element holder (see theabove-mentioned Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application 2011-150132).Also, with this technology, when the insertion/removal member hasretracted, it is supported by the removal control protrusion provided tothe imaging element holder (see FIG. 15 in the above-mentioned JapaneseLaid-Open Patent Application 2011-150132).

With prior art, the removal control protrusion is provided to theimaging element holder in order to retract the insertion/removal member.Also, a removal control member is provided to the imaging element holderin order to support the retracted insertion/removal member. Accordingly,space for providing the removal control protrusion and theinsertion/removal member needs to be ensured in the imaging elementholder, thereby it is difficult to reduce the size of the lens barrel

Also, since the insertion/removal member is retracted and supported bythe removal control protrusion and the removal control member providedto the imaging element holder, the layout relation to the imagingelement holder has to be taken into account, which affords less freedomin designing the lens barrel.

The technology disclosed herein was conceived in light of the aboveproblems, and it is an object thereof to increase design latitude whilereducing the size of the lens barrel.

The lens barrel comprises a first frame, a second frame, and aretracting lens frame. The second frame is configured to be supportedmovably in the optical axis direction with respect to the first frame onthe inside of the first frame. The retracting lens frame is configuredto be supported by the second frame and support at least one lens. Thefirst frame includes a contact portion on at least its inner peripheralface. The retracting lens frame includes a protrusion. The protrusion isconfigured to engage with the contact portion during the transitionperiod between the imaging enabled state and the housed state. Also, theretracting lens frame moves in a direction that is perpendicular to theoptical axis with respect to the second frame when the protrusion movesalong the contact portion.

The technology disclosed herein provides a lens barrel with which thereis greater design latitude while the size of the lens barrel is reduced.

The lens barrel disclosed herein is as given below.

(4-1)

A lens barrel, comprising:

a first frame;

a second frame is configured to be supported movably in the optical axisdirection with respect to the first frame on the inside of the firstframe; and

a retracting lens frame is configured to be supported by the secondframe and supports at least one lens,

the first frame includes a contact portion on its inner peripheral face,and

the retracting lens frame includes a protrusion, the protrusionconfigured to engage with the contact portion and move in a directionperpendicular to the optical axis with respect to the second frame whenthe protrusion moves along the contact portion during the transitionperiod between the imaging enabled state and the housed state.

(4-2)

The lens barrel according to (4-1), further comprising:

a third frame configured to be rotatably supported with respect to thefirst frame on the outside of the first frame, wherein

the first frame includes a through-groove, the through-groove configuredto extend at least in the optical axis direction,

the third frame includes a guide groove in its inner peripheral face,and

the second frame includes a cam follower, the cam follower configured tobe inserted through the through-groove and engage with the guide groove.

(4-3)

The lens barrel according to (4-2), wherein

the first frame and the second frame configured to unrotate relatively,and

the through-groove configured to extend parallel to the optical axisdirection.

(4-4)

The lens barrel according to (4-2), wherein

the first frame and the second frame configured to unrotate relatively,

the second frame and the third frame configured to unrotate relatively,and

the through-groove configured to extend parallel to the optical axisdirection and the peripheral direction.

(4-5)

The lens barrel according to any of (4-1) to (4-4), comprising:

a biasing member configured to be supported by the second frame andbiase the retracting lens frame in a direction perpendicular to theoptical axis; and

a rectilinear lens frame configured to support at least one lens, atleast part of the rectilinear lens frame moving into a space prior tothe movement of the retracting lens frame in the housed state, wherein

the retracting lens frame includes a driven portion, the driven portionconfigured to be driven against the biasing force of the biasing memberduring the transition period between the imaging enabled state and thehoused state, and a positioning portion configured to be positioned bythe rectilinear lens frame in the housed state,

the rectilinear lens frame includes a restrictor, the restrictorconfigured to come into contact with the positioning portion in thehoused state, and

the distance between the positioning portion and the retraction shaft isgreater than the distance between the driven portion and the retractionshaft.

(4-6)

The lens barrel according to (4-5), wherein

the restrictor includes a guide portion, the guide portion configured toguide the retracting lens frame to a retracted position, and a supportportion configured to support the retracting lens frame in the retractedposition.

The above configurations and effects will now be described in specificterms.

(4-6) This lens barrel 20 comprises the third rectilinear frame 130, theshutter frame 335 and/or the OIS frame 400, and the retracting lensframe 401. The shutter frame 335 and/or the OIS frame 400 is configuredto be supported movably in the optical axis direction with respect tothe third rectilinear frame 130 on the inside of the third rectilinearframe 130. The retracting lens frame 401 is configured to be supportedby the shutter frame 335 and/or the OIS frame 400, and support the thirdlens group L3. The third rectilinear frame 130 includes the guide groovea7 at least on its inner peripheral face. The retracting lens frame 401includes the driven portion 411 that is engaged with the guide groovea7. The retracting lens frame 401 is configured to move in a directionperpendicular to the optical axis with respect to the shutter frame 335and/or the OIS frame 400 when the driven portion 411 moves along theguide groove a7 during the transition period between the imaging enabledstate and the housed state.

With this lens barrel 20, the guide groove a7 that engages with thedriven portion 411 is formed in the inner peripheral face of the thirdrectilinear frame 130. Therefore, the three faces of the guide groove a7can be easily constituted.

For example, when the guide groove a7 is provided to the stationaryportion of the imaging element holder or the like, if an attempt is madeto form the three faces constituting the guide groove a7 in thestationary portion of the imaging element holder, then the stationaryportion of the imaging element holder or the like end up being larger.Also, if the guide groove a7 is formed in a small space in order toavoid making the stationary portion of the imaging element holderlarger, the guide groove a7 is not strong enough.

In contrast, with this lens barrel 20, there is no need to form theguide groove a7 in the stationary portion of the imaging element holderor the like, so the stationary portion of the imaging element holder canbe made smaller. Also, in this case the portion where the guide groovea7 is formed is cylindrical, so the strength of the guide groove a7 canbe increased. Also, since there is no need to take the layout relationwith the imaging element holder into account, there is greater latitudein the design of the lens barrel.

Furthermore, because the guide groove a7 that engages with the drivenportion 411 is formed in the third rectilinear frame 130, positioningcan be performed more accurately during retraction. When the guidegroove a7 is provided to the third rectilinear frame 130, a mechanismfor positioning the OIS frame 400 is also determined by the thirdrectilinear frame 130. Accordingly, there is better positioning accuracyof the retracting lens frame 401 and the OIS frame 400.

(4-7) This lens barrel 20 further comprises a second rotary frame 220.The second rotary frame 220 is configured to be supported rotatably withrespect to the third rectilinear frame 130 on the outside of the thirdrectilinear frame 130. The third rectilinear frame 130 includes arectilinear groove a6 that extends at least in the optical axisdirection. The second rotary frame 220 includes a cam groove b5 in itsinner peripheral face. The shutter frame 335 includes a cam follower B5.The cam follower B5 is inserted through the rectilinear groove a6 and isengaged with the cam groove b5.

With this lens barrel 20, when the second rotary frame 220 rotates, theshutter frame 335, the OIS frame 400, and the retracting lens frame 401move in the optical axis direction on the inside of the thirdrectilinear frame 130. At this point, the retracting lens frame 401moves in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis with respect tothe shutter frame 335 and the OIS frame 400.

Thus, even though the second rotary frame 220 is supported rotatablywith respect to the third rectilinear frame 130 on the outside of thethird rectilinear frame 130, the driven portion 411 and the guide groovea7 can be provided and the retracting lens frame 401 can be operated,just as in (4-6). This gives the same effect as above.

(4-8) With this lens barrel 20, the third rectilinear frame 130 and theshutter frame 335 and OIS frame 400 unrotate relatively. The rectilineargroove a6 extends parallel to the optical axis direction.

With this lens barrel 20, when the second rotary frame 220 rotates, theshutter frame 335, the OIS frame 400, and the retracting lens frame 401move in the optical axis direction with respect to the third rectilinearframe 130 on the inside of the third rectilinear frame 130. At thispoint, the retracting lens frame 401 moves in a direction perpendicularto the optical axis with respect to the shutter frame 335 and the OISframe 400.

Thus, even though the lens barrel 20 is configured so that the shutterframe 335 and the OIS frame 400 move in the optical axis direction withrespect to the third rectilinear frame 130, the driven portion 411 andthe guide groove a7 can be provided and the retracting lens frame 401can be operated, just as in (4-6). This gives the same effect as above.

(4-9) This lens barrel 20 comprises a rotary spring 403 and a secondlens group frame 320. The rotary spring 403 is configured to besupported by the shutter frame 335 and biase the retracting lens frame401 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The second lensgroup frame 320 is configured to support the second lens group L2, andat least part of the second lens group frame 320 moves into a spaceprior to the movement of the retracting lens frame 401 in the housedstate. The retracting lens frame 401 includes a driven portion 411 and apositioning portion 412. The driven portion 411 is configured to bedriven against the biasing force of the rotary spring 403 during thetransition period between the imaging enabled state and the housedstate. The positioning portion 412 is configured to be positioned by thesecond lens group frame 320 in the housed state. The second lens groupframe 320 includes a housing receptacle 322. The housing receptacle 322is configured to come into contact with the positioning portion 412 inthe housed state. The distance between the positioning portion 412 andthe retraction shaft 501 b is greater than the distance between thedriven portion 411 and the retraction shaft 501 b.

With this lens barrel 20, at least part of the second lens group frame320 goes into a space prior to the movement of the retracting lens frame401 in the housed state. More specifically, a second lens support 321Lof the second lens group frame 320 is housed in a space ST of theretracting lens frame 401.

Because the second lens support 321L of the second lens group frame 320is thus housed in the space ST of the retracting lens frame 401, thelens barrel 20 can be made smaller in the optical axis direction.

Also, the second lens group frame 320 has the housing receptacle 322that comes into contact with the positioning portion 412 in the housedstate. In the housed state, the positioning portion 412 of theretracting lens frame 401 is positioned by the second lens group frame320. More specifically, the positioning portion 412 of the retractinglens frame 401 comes into contact with the housing receptacle 322 of thesecond lens group frame 320.

Because the housing receptacle 322 for positioning the retracting lensframe 401 is thus provided to the second lens group frame 320, the thirdlens support 420 of the retracting lens frame 401 can be closer to thesecond lens support 321L of the second lens group frame 320, whichallows the OIS frame 400 to be smaller.

Also, when the retracting lens frame 401 is mounted to the OIS frame400, a stiff spring is used for the rotary spring 403 in order tosuppress shake of the retracting lens frame 401 during OIS control.Accordingly, there is the risk that a large amount of stress isgenerated around the retraction shaft 501 b of the retracting lens frame401. Specifically, with prior art, there is the risk that creepdeformation occurs in the retracting lens frame 401. With this lensbarrel 20, however, the retracting lens frame 401 is positioned by thesecond lens group frame 320, which has plenty of volume, so creepdeformation can be prevented.

Also, since the retracting lens frame 401 is positioned by the secondlens group frame 320 at a position that is far away from the drivenportion 411 of the retracting lens frame 401 (the position of thepositioning portion 412), using the retraction shaft 501 b as areference, the stress that occurs in the positioning portion 412 can bereduced.

Furthermore, since the retracting lens frame 401 is positioned by thesecond lens group frame 320 at the positioning portion 412, using theretraction shaft 501 b as a reference, the position where the retractinglens frame 401 is stopped during retraction can be more accurate.Specifically, since there is better accuracy in the stopping position ofthe retracting lens frame 401 during retraction, there is no need tofactor in stopping error, and the lens barrel 20 can be made smaller.

(4-10) With this lens barrel 20, the housing receptacle 322 includes aguide portion 322 a and a support portion 322 b. The guide portion 322 ais configured to guide the retracting lens frame 401 to the retractedposition. The support portion 322 b is configured to support theretracting lens frame 401 in the retracted position.

Since the guide portion 322 a is thus provided to the housing receptacle322 of the second lens group frame 320, the retracting lens frame 401can be guided smoothly to the retracted position by this guide portion322 a. Also, since the support portion 322 b is provided to the housingreceptacle 322 of the second lens group frame 320, the retracting lensframe 401 can be reliably supported in the retracted position.

Other Embodiments

(A) In the above embodiment, the lens barrel 20 had a three-stagetelescoping design made up of the first rectilinear frame 110, thesecond rectilinear frame 120, and the first lens group frame 310, butthis is not the only option. The lens barrel 20 may instead have atwo-stage telescoping design made up of the first rectilinear frame 110and the second rectilinear frame 120. In this case, the lens barrel 20need not comprise the second rotary frame 220 or the third rectilinearframe 130. The lens barrel 20 may also have a four-stage or highertelescoping design.

(B) In the above embodiment, the cam grooves b were formed on one of twoframes, and the cam followers B were formed on the other frame, but thisis not the only option. The cam followers B may be formed on one of twoframes, and the cam grooves b formed on the other frame. Also, the camgrooves b and the cam followers B may be formed on each of two frames.

(C) In the above embodiment, the rectilinear grooves a were formed onone of two frames, and the rectilinear protrusions A were formed on theother frame, but this is not the only option. The rectilinearprotrusions A may be formed on one of two frames, and the rectilineargrooves a formed on the other frame. Also, the rectilinear grooves a andthe rectilinear protrusions A may be formed on each of two frames.

(D) In the above embodiment, the bayonet grooves e were formed on one oftwo frames, and the bayonet protrusions E were formed on the otherframe, but this is not the only option. The bayonet protrusions E may beformed on one of two frames, and the bayonet grooves e formed on theother frame. Also, the bayonet grooves e and the bayonet protrusions Emay be formed on each of two frames.

(E) In the above embodiment, the third lens group frame 330 wasretracted toward the second lens group frame 320 in the retracted state,but this is not the only option. The third lens group frame 330 may bedisposed to the rear of the second lens group frame 320 in the retractedstate.

(F) In the above embodiment, as shown by the broken line in FIG. 23A,the other end 403 b of the rotary spring 403 is formed so as to extendaway from the axis KJ of the coil part at a position of 90 degrees withreference to the axis KJ of the coil portion of the rotary spring 403(the axis of the coil part, the axis of the retraction shaft 501 b).Instead, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 23A, the other end 403 b ofthe rotary spring 403 may be formed so as to extend away from the axisKJ of the coil part at a position of 90 degrees with reference to theaxis KJ of the coil part.

In this case, just as in the above embodiment, if the rotary spring 403is mounted to the OIS frame 400 and the retracting lens frame 401, theforce FP at which the retracting lens frame 401 is pressed against theOIS frame 400 can be generated, as shown in FIG. 23B. This allows thethree first contact portions 603A (603A1, 603A2, and 603A3) of theretracting lens frame 401 to be reliably brought into contact by the OISframe 400.

(G) In the above embodiment, an example was given in which, when thesecond rotary frame 220 (third frame body) rotated, the shutter frame335 and the OIS frame 400 moved in the optical axis direction withrespect to the third rectilinear frame 130 (first frame body) via thethird rectilinear frame 130 (first frame body).

Instead, the first and second frame bodies may be configured to becapable of relative rotation, and the second and third frame bodies maybe configured to be incapable of relative rotation. In this case, thethrough-groove of the first frame body extends in the optical axisdirection and the peripheral direction.

With this configuration, when the first frame body rotates, the secondframe body (such as the shutter frame 335 and/or the OIS frame 400) andthe retracting lens frame moved in the direction of the guide grove ofthe third frame body, such as the optical axis direction. Also, at thispoint the retracting lens frame 401 moves in a direction perpendicularto the optical axis, with respect to the second frame body.

Thus, even when the lens barrel 20 is configured so that the secondframe body, such as the shutter frame 335 and/or the OIS frame 400,moves in the optical axis direction with respect to the third framebody, the driven portion 411 and the guide groove a7 can be provided,and the retracting lens frame 401 can be operated, just as in the aboveembodiment. This gives the same effect as above.

(H) In the above embodiment, an example was given in which theanti-rotation portion 511 of the OIS frame 400 was formed in a concaveshape, and the upper face of the second contact portion 603B of theretracting lens frame 401 came into contact with the recess 512.Instead, as shown in FIG. 24, the second contact portion 603B of theretracting lens frame 401 may come into contact with two side faces 512a of a recess 512′ of an anti-rotation portion 511′. In this case, thetwo side faces 512 a of the recess 512′ are formed so as to move closertogether toward the bottom 512 b of the recess 512′. Consequently, thetwo side faces 512 a of the recess 512′ are inclined and opposite eachother. More specifically, the two side faces 512 a of the recess 512′are formed so as to move closer together toward the bottom 512 b of therecess 512′. Consequently, the retracting lens frame 401 can be morereliably positioned with respect to the OIS frame 400.

General Interpretation of Terms

In understanding the scope of the present disclosure, the term“comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to beopen ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features,elements, portions, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not excludethe presence of other unstated features, elements, portions, groups,integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words havingsimilar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and theirderivatives. Also, the terms “part,” “section.” “portion,” “member” or“element” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of asingle part or a plurality of parts. Also as used herein to describe theabove embodiment(s), the following directional terms “forward”,“rearward”, “above”, “downward”, “vertical”. “horizontal”, “below” and“transverse” as well as any other similar directional terms refer tothose directions of the lens barrel. Accordingly, these terms, asutilized to describe the present technology should be interpretedrelative to the lens barrel.

The term “configured” as used herein to describe a portion, section, orpart of a device implies the existence of other unclaimed or unmentionedportions, sections, members or parts of the device to carry out adesired function.

The terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately”as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modifiedterm such that the end result is not significantly changed.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate thepresent technology, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromthis disclosure that various changes and modifications can be madeherein without departing from the scope of the technology as defined inthe appended claims. For example, the size, shape, location ororientation of the various portions can be changed as needed and/ordesired. Components that are shown directly connected or contacting eachother can have intermediate structures disposed between them. Thefunctions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versa. Thestructures and functions of one embodiment can be adopted in anotherembodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in aparticular embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is uniquefrom the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, alsoshould be considered a separate description of further technologies bythe applicant, including the structural and/or functional conceptsembodied by such feature(s). Thus, the foregoing descriptions of theembodiments according to the present technologies are provided forillustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the technology asdefined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The technology disclosed herein can be widely applied to lens barrels.

What is claimed is:
 1. A lens barrel, comprising: a first lens includinga first optical axis; a second lens including a second optical axis; afirst frame body; a frame group including a main frame, a support frame,and a retracting lens frame, the support frame configured to besupported by the main frame movably in a plane that is perpendicular tothe first optical axis, the retracting lens frame configured to supportthe second lens and be supported by the support frame, and configured tomove with respect to the first frame body in a first optical axisdirection; and a retraction shaft configured to be substantiallyparallel to the first optical axis and rotatably support the retractinglens frame with respect to the support frame; wherein a contact portionis formed in an inner peripheral part of the first frame body, thecontact portion including at least one side wall, the retracting lensframe includes a protrusion, the protrusion configured to engage withthe contact portion and be guided by the contact portion, the protrusionmoves along the contact portion when the frame group moves with respectto the first frame body in the first optical axis direction, theretracting lens frame rotates around the retraction shaft by themovement of the protrusion during a transition period between an imagingenabled state and a housed state, a position of the second optical axischanges from a position on the first optical axis to a position outsidethe first optical axis during the transition period.
 2. The lens barrelaccording to claim 1, further comprising: a second frame body configuredto rotate around the first optical axis with respect to the first framebody, wherein the main frame includes a first cam follower, the secondframe body includes a first cam, the first cam engaged with the firstcam follower, the first cam follower moves along the first cam when thesecond frame body rotates with respect to the first frame body, and theframe group moves with respect to the first frame body in the firstoptical axis direction by the movement of the first cam follower.
 3. Thelens barrel according to claim 2, further comprising: a third frame bodyconfigured to support the first lens and move with respect to the firstframe body in the first optical axis direction at least a part of thefirst lens and at least a part of the second lens overlap in the housedstate when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the first optical axisdirection.
 4. The lens barrel according to claim 3, wherein the thirdframe body includes a second cam follower, the second frame bodyincludes a second cam, the second cam engaged with the second camfollower, the second cam follower moves along the second cam when thesecond frame body rotates with respect to the first frame body, and thethird frame body moves with respect to the first frame body in the firstoptical axis direction by the movement of the second cam follower. 5.The lens barrel according to claim 1, wherein the contact portion isformed in a groove shape, the contact portion including two opposingside walls.
 6. The lens barrel according to claim 1, wherein the mainframe includes a shutter structure.
 7. The lens barrel according toclaim 1, wherein the thickness of a region constituting the side wall ofthe contact portion is increased over the thickness of the other regiontoward the inside of the first frame body.
 8. The lens barrel accordingto claim 1, wherein the region constituting the side wall of the contactportion includes the area near the portion where the contact portion isformed.